By Mesumbe Nelly
The first phase of the construction of the Bangem-Nguti road in Kupe Muanenguba Division in the South West Region of Cameroon that started late November 2024 has entered its accelerated phase with the Bangem- Ndibsi – Enyandong stretch on course.
The first phase construction of the 53 Km road is expected to be done before the coming of the rainy season by March 2025, according to the technical team.
According to Minister Elung Paul Che, some FCFA 9 billion have been reserved for the project.
As part of the preparations, the first consignment of construction equipment was delivered by the BIR, including a bulldozer, a grader (14 H), and a compactor. This initial equipment facilitated the construction of the BIR’s base at Ndibsi, located about 4KM from Bangem, the BIR technical team says.
In March 2024, topographic and geotechnical studies were conducted for the first 10KM segment from Bangem to Elah. These studies have continue towards Nguti.
To ensure the safety and effectiveness of the project, the BIR has established a security team. Collaboration with local residents is crucial, and several preparatory measures have been underway.
SENSITIZATION OF LOCAL POPULATION
Sensitization of the local population on the importance of the road project and the need for collaboration has been done.
A letter to the KupeMuaneguba community by the Minister, deputy Secretary General at the Presidency Elung Paul Che to that effect was circulated to people few months ago.
The road construction project is anticipated to play a vital role in bolstering the local economy and improving infrastructure in the region, according to the President of the KupeMuanenguba chief’s conference, chief Nnane.
Economically, it will boost the rich agricultural production including both export crops like cocoa and coffee as well as foodstuff like plantains, maize, cocoyam and vegetables that are wasted or sold at giveaway prices will see some value added to it.
As for export crops, farmers have been incurring extra cost for their products to be transported to the nearest urban markets mostly through head loads or on motorbikes. This extra cost rendered their products less competitive in the market compared to those of farmers along accessible roads. It is even narrated that some years back, villagers out of frustration incinerated bags of cocoa that could not be sold because of inaccessibility of the area by cocoa buyers.
The road therefore is a big relief to the people and a bolster to economic development. Also, the area is rich in natural resources like timber and sand but which cannot be exploited because of lack of roads.
Socially speaking, the road will enhance social cohesion as it will facilitate movements of people from the two subdivisions.
