Gov’t technically receives first phase of Kumba-Tombel-Loum Road.

This was in the presence of the lead Engineer of the South West Development Authority, SOWEDA, in charge of the road, Daniel Ndifor. The project is being realised by SOWEDA.

Speaking during the reception event, the Divisional Delegate of Public Works for Meme, Azange Emmanuel, thanked the Minister of Public Works for his interest in the project from start to completion. 

“This road has been impassable for over seven years but thanks to the minister who gave firm instructions for the work to go ahead…the road is open with all classes of vehicles,” the delegate said.

“The mission on the road this Wednesday was to inspect the second phase of the work which includes filling up of bad spots, opening of gutters for good drainage and filling all the bad spots of the road with seawall,” Azange explained.

On his part, the Lead Engineer of SOWEDA in charge of the project, Ndifor Daniel, thanked the Director General of SOWEDA, Dr Besong Ntui Ogork, for giving him the opportunity to head the project. 

The lead Engineer recounted that before now, it was difficult even for bikes to ply the road.

“It was very challenging but because of the equipment pool of SOWEDA, we were confident that we will achieve the objectives,” he said.

Population expresses gratitude

The 35KM stretched of road linking Kumba to Loum also known as the Reunification Road, once completed, will open up the farming communities to larger markets in Douala and other parts of the country.

The head of Mile 18, Peng, in Tombel Subdivision, said the road has come as a relief to the population.

“Thanks to this road, my children have been able to see a car for the first time since they were born...,” the head of Peng village said.

On his Part, Chief Alobwede Christopher Kome of Etam I village in Tombel, said: “I can now drive to the village with my car and attend to very pressing issues”.

While thanking government for the job well done on the road, the Chief said he and the entire Etam village are mobilised to accompany the technicians to the end of the project.

This, he added, is “why the village provided a base for their caterpillars and other equipment”.

“Today the Etam Market is full with customers coming from Kumba, Buea, Limbe, Loum because of the road and our farmers are so happy. They are selling their farm produces,” Chief Kome added. 

Population assured of security

Commercial bikers, drivers and passengers have been assured of their security along the stretch of road. Almost every village along the road has a military post.

From Mambanda passing through Teke, Bakossi Camp, Etam, Mungo Bridge, Ebonji, and Tombel, soldiers have been stationed along the stretch of road. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No:3141 of Friday June 14, 2024