At working visit: CSPH boss rates Bamenda Gas Plant project execution at 60%.

This was after he and his team visited the project site at Bangshe neighbourhood in Bamendakwe, Bamenda I Subdivision, Mezam Division of the North West Region.

The visit, it should be said, was second follow-up and evaluation meeting to access the work progress, after the first in August 2023.

While at the construction site, the General Manager of CSPH evaluated the work done at 60%. He added that the progress is very encouraging.

"What we have seen today, I think there is a mark progress as compared to our first visit. As of today, work realised mechanical is going to about 60%. What is interesting is not just the building, but the technical aspects like the storage tanks and pumps and we have been informed that they are being prefabricated in Turkey and will be transported here by month end," Okie Johnson said.

Objectives of project

At the project site with authorities like the Secretary General at the North West Governor's Office, Mayor of Bamenda I Council and the traditional ruler of Bamendakwe, the CSPH boss also revealed that if everything goes on as planned, works will be at 80% realisation by the end of the month of May this year.

Okie Johnson said his wish is to get the project realised by the end of 2024, so that it can be handed over to the population of the North West Region.

"Globally, it's very encouraging. We are putting a target, as they have given us that by the end of May we should come and realise about 80% of works. Our objective is to have this project realised before the end of the year. If everything is done according to their words, then we shall be here to inaugurate the project at the end of 2024. We want to give this project to the people of this region," Okie added. 

While congratulating the Governor of the North West Region, Adolphe Lele L'afrique, and authorities for consistently supporting the project, the General Manager of CSPH called on the Mayor of Bamenda I Council and the traditional ruler of Bamendakwe to unite their people to support the project.

Challenges encountered 

Despite the fast realisation in the project, some challenges were cited as hindrances to the project as explained by the construction company, JENS Production LTD.

According to Chris Longonje, representative of the contractor, they have two major problems including that of water and electricity at the construction site.

He said for the moment, they are getting water from a catchment and also using a generator for electricity since the neighbourhood has not been electrified.

The project consists four gas tanks with a capacity of 50 metric tons each, one fire water tank, one gas filling hall, one generator, one product and fire pumping station, two nitrogen and air compressors, one engineering building, one clinic, one cafeteria, one playground, two security buildings, two weigh bridges.

The gas filling station will help the population of the North West Region in renewing expired gas bottles, refilling of domestic gas and reduce the problem of gas shortage in the Region.