Bamenda: Population defies lockdown, gives PM hero’s welcome.

The Head of Government was saluted for coming to the North West Region to inaugurate the Bamenda-Babadjou Road and launch works on major projects, which he had told the people, President Biya was going to cause to see the light of day.

The Prime Minister was accompanied by the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi; Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes; Minister of Territorial Administration, Paul Atanga Nji; the Interim Minister of Mines, Industries and Technological Development, Prof Fuh Calistus Gentry and other dignitaries in the exercise.

Biya fulfilling promises

While addressing the population, the Prime Minister appreciated those who came out to receive him. The PM reminded the population that he was in Bamenda to launch the road works, after making the promise about two months ago.

“I am accompanied by the Minister of Public Works and that of Urban Development, to ensure that these works are effectively started to improve the road network, which was in a very deplorable situation because of many circumstances,” PM Dion Ngute stated.

He remarked that: “I was here less than two months ago. I made the promise that as I go back and report to the President, he will made it possible for his ministers to mobilise all the enterprises to do the work. They are here to do this work, and work will effectively start. This is the promise of the Head of State. He is one person who makes promises and realises those promises”.

During the significant occasion, the Prime Minister described the projects as part of President Paul Biya’s pledge to modernise infrastructure in the North West Region. He added that the projects are vital in restoring normalcy and supporting socio-economic recovery in the city.

Urges population to own, support projects

The PM appealed to the population of the Region to take ownership of the projects, safeguard them and support the authorities and contractors. He added that the success of the projects also depends on the population.

“We want to tell the population that these roads are for their comfort and benefit. It is the gift of the Head of State to the population of the North West Region and Bamenda in particular,” the Star Building occupant said, adding that: “So, the population should feel responsible towards not only those who are going to do the work; not only the administrators who are going to be supervising the work, but also when the works are completed”.

He added that: “It is something which all of us should participate in. We should take ownership of these roads and all the development taking place in our Region”.

Marathon first day for PM

Shortly after arriving Bamenda, the PM launched construction works for the long-awaited Bamenda Urban Crossing. It is a major project aimed at easing mobility within the North West Regional capital.

The 6.5 km road network worth will span key junctions in the city, including: Amour Mezam Junction-Finance Junction-Veterinary Junction-T-Junction-Hospital-Roundabout-Food Market-City Chemist Roundabout-Veterinary Junction. 

Designed to expand from 17 to 30 metres width, the project, officials said, will decongest Bamenda, improve traffic flow, and enhance connections along the strategic Yaounde-Bamenda-Mamfe-Ekok/Mfum-Abakaliki-Enugu corridor.

The urban crossing project, backed by 30 billion FCFA World Bank funding, comes after years of public frustration over Bamenda’s deteriorating road. The situation had long hampered movement and economic activities. 

Population brandishing banner welcoming Prime Minister 

Commissions Bamenda-Babadjou Road

Before entering the City of Bamenda, the Prime Minister first presided the commissioning of the over 35km Babadjou-Bamenda road, a key stretch linking the West and North West Regions.

Lots I and II of the projects, from Babadjou in the West Region to Welcome to Bamenda, were officially opened to traffic by the Prime Minister. This was in the presence of cabinet ministers, local officials, and jubilant residents.

The completion of the Babadjou-Bamenda road and the launch of the Bamenda Urban Crossing mark a significant turning point for the city, which, for years, has struggled with inaccessible roads. 

The Babadjou-Bamenda stretch has been a nightmare to travelers for several years. In 2021, heavy downpour separated the road, paralysing movements between the two Regions for over 10 hours.

PM at Regional Assembly

Still yesterday, the Prime Minister and his entourage also took part in a brief session at the North West Regional Assembly. 

The session featured presentations on the French Debt Relief and Development Contracts, C2D; Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and Ministry of Public Works projects in the Region.

Welcoming the PM, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Prof Fru Angwafo, highlighted projects realised in the last five years.

Prof Angwafo cited the Peace and Development Initiative, which according to him, has been a running point for the recovery of the Region. 

He added that over 244 Public Investment Projects have been completed by the institution.

Presentations were also done by the Regional Delegate of Housing, John Paul; Regional Delegate of Public Works, Nfor Cyprian, and the Regional Coordinator of the C2D project, Dr Njeta Bertrand. 

According to the Regional Delegate of Housing and Urban Development, the ministry has executed projects in the domain of low-cost housing, road infrastructure, and others. 

John Paul said significant projects included; the Mile 4 Bridge, La Chance Bridge and dredging of Below Foncha Bridge.

35 billion FCFA C2D investments

The C2D Regional Coordinator revealed that they have projects of over 35 billion FCFA in the city. 

Amongst the projects realised include four sporting play grounds, 15 toilets in schools and 11.6km of roads to be constructed in the city among others.

The Regional Delegate of Public Works, Nfor Cyprian, revealed that the government has paid compensation for all properties to be destroyed because of the Bamenda Urban Crossing project.

The Prime Minister later toured the leisure park adjacent the Governor’s Office, before proceeding to inspect several sites, including Lot 4A of the Bamenda road project, the Bamenda I New Market, and the Mile 4 Market, where he laid the foundation stone. 

He also inaugurated the Mile 4 Bridge, another key project aimed at improving urban mobility.

City mayor hails PM, gov’t

At the laying of foundation stone for the construction of the Urban Crossing at Veterinary Junction, the Bamenda City Mayor, Paul Achobong, congratulated the Prime Minister and all the other Ministers for working tirelessly for the completion of the Babadjou-Bamenda Road, and for ensuring that the Bamenda Urban Crossing project commences.

At the end of the Prime Minister’s visit, authorities and locals expressed hope that the projects will boost trade, facilitate transport, and rekindle confidence in government-led development efforts.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3568 of Thursday September 18, 2025