The west African country Cameroon is undertaking a bold step in its overall infrastructural development, focusing on the road transport sector. In a recent reveal, Cameroon is embarking on the development of a key motor way project, Cameroon’s Yaounde-Doulala Road Project.
Currently development works are ongoing for the development of the Yaounde-Douala section. Moreover this road section is also expected to link Doulala with Bodi.
Project Factsheet
Road section: Yaounde-Doulala
Developer: China First Highway Engineering Corporation
Cost: US$1.5 billion
Development duration: 36 months
Financier: African Development Bank
Significance: Enhance Cameroon’s connectivity to Congo as Kika sits at the International border
Construction project execution : To be developed in 5 phases inclusive of the asphalt surfacing between Ngoura II and Yoko douma.
Funding of the Cameroon’s Yaounde-Doulala Road Project
Meanwhile, the development funds that will foresee the development of this major highway project. A funding package worth $603.6 million that will be utilised in financing the Batouri-Kika road section. The work is being divided into 5 phases inclusive of the asphalt surfacing that will be done at the Ngoura II-Yoko douma road section.
The development works of road are being conducted by China First Highway Engineering Corporation. The Commencement of the second phase was announced to the public by the Minister of Public Works, Nganou Djoumessi. This road project is expected to cover the 141 kilometres between Bibodi and Douala.
Significance of the Project
Cameroon sees this road project as a crucial aspect in the development of its economy. At the Sino-African forum that was held last month, the president of Cameroon urged Beijing to earmark more funding and investments to the projects of Cameroon. The development of this road project is seen as the flagship programme to the association of China with Cameroon.
Furthermore, other than improving the communication network between the two largest cities in Cameroon i.e Yaounde and Douala, this road is expected to boost economic integration throughout the region. This entails the trade corridors located at North east Djamena in Chad, east to Bangui in Central African Republic, and lastly south to Brazaville in the Republic of Congo.
According to Djoumessi, China First Highway was selected as the developer of the project is regarded to the work it delivered in the 60 kilometres of the first phase of the project.
The decision to choose the company as the developer of the project was made by the presidency, concluding a selection process that was commenced in March of the year 2020.
Similar Project
A similar road project in the region is also underway in Nigeria, where the country kicked off plans for the development of the 1000-kilometer Sokoto-Badagry road.
This road project was revealed by the country’s ministers of works, David Umahi. The minister pointed out that he had been given orders by the president of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu to commence designs of the road project.
“We have kicked off the project’s design, and I am very sure that as soon as it receives the approval of the Federal Executive Council, it is going to start at the side of Sokoto, which will be the zero point,” he said.
Also read:Â President Tinubu to Inaugurate the 1000-km Sokoto-Badagry Coastal Highway
