By Menyam Sibelle
The Minister of Public Works (MINTP), Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, has paid a working visit to Bamenda, chief town of the North-West Region, to assess ongoing road construction and rehabilitation works ahead of the anticipated visit of the Pope scheduled for April.
The minister was received at Bamenda Station by administrative officials, municipal authorities, including the Mayor of Bamenda I, regional delegates, and the general public.
During the visit, the minister toured key road construction sites across the city to evaluate the progress of works being executed under his Ministry. He also visited the Bamenda Cathedral, where he held a brief tête à tête with the Arch Bishop, His Grace Andrew Nkea Fauanya as part of preparations for the papal visit.
A working session later held with stakeholders—including municipal authorities, technical delegates, and representatives of the BUNS Construction Company.
The minister stated that “the works on the urban crossing in Bamenda are progressing satisfactorily,” while emphasizing that “we have been instructed by the Head of State to ensure that the sections of road to be used during the Pope’s visit are completed before his arrival.” He added that “efforts are being intensified to meet this deadline.”
According to him, priority has been placed on key stretches, noting that “the roads from Hospital Roundabout to St. Bless Bridge must be passable before April 10, even if they are not fully tarred.” He further urged contractors to remain proactive, stating that “contractors should begin work early each day, especially considering the rainy season.”
During the session, the Minister gave the Regional Delegate of Public Works the floor to elaborate on the condition of the town’s entrance and the way forward.
The delegate disclosed that a service order has already been signed by the minister for BUNS Construction Company to carry out urgent rehabilitation works. He explained that the intervention will target potholes along the stretch from Tradex filling Station to Finance junction via the station hill, linking up with the Bamenda urban crossing. The works will also cover the stretch from Governor’s Junction to École des Champions. He added that the company has assured that within five days of the service order, equipment will be mobilized and the identified sections addressed.
The Head of the Control Mission also presented a technical update, outlining completed works, outstanding tasks, and areas where community cooperation is required to facilitate timely delivery.
Speaking on behalf of the contractor, the Manager of BUNS Construction Company, Mr. Njong Eric, called for improved communication between authorities and the population. He also apologized for inconveniences caused by the works, particularly disruptions in urban water supply due to damaged pipelines, and assured that essential services would be restored soon.
Responding to these concerns, the minister stated that “the work cannot be complete without social acceptance; the population must cooperate.” He further reassured affected residents, emphasizing that “there will be no destruction without compensation,” and disclosed that about 30 persons have already been identified for relocation, and funds for their compensation are available.
The office of the Governor of the North-West Region, highlighted that some residents who have already received compensation are yet to vacate concerned areas, thereby slowing progress. He nonetheless assured the minister of the population’s general support for the project.
The Mayor of Bamenda I, Mbigha Felix expressed appreciation for the scale of the project, describing it as farfetched in the city, and appealed for similar development initiatives to be extended to other parts of the region.
On the broader road network in the region, the minister highlighted several ongoing and planned projects. He stated that “the Ring Road remains a matter of urgent concern, with 96.6 kilometres already under construction,” despite security challenges on the stretch of the road between Ndu-Kambe, and Misaje.
He further outlined additional road projects, including;
- The Bamenda–Bafut–Wum stretch covering approximately 80 kilometres, currently in the preparatory phase.
- The Bamenda–Bambui–Ndop–Bamessi road spanning 44 kilometres;
- The Misaje–Ndombo–Nigeria frontier stretch, which is yet to be fully developed.
The minister noted that several of these projects are being implemented with financing support from the African Development Bank, alongside the provision of social amenities for affected communities. He also mentioned ongoing works in Momo Division and plans to reconstruct the Bamenda–Mbengwi road.
Reiterating the need for collaboration, the minister stressed that “all those who have been compensated must vacate the public space (right of way) immediately.” He concluded by calling on the population to support national efforts.
“I call on the population to mobilize for the Pope’s visit and support ongoing development efforts.” he said.
The visit ended with renewed assurances of the government’s commitment to improving road infrastructure in the North-West Region and a call for continued cooperation among all stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of priority projects.
