Kumba-Ekondo Titi road: Construction of drainage channels, culverts progressing.

As of April 9, 2026, ongoing field activities involved the construction of new drainage channels and culverts, as well as the supply of materials for the treatment of critical areas. 

According to the Ministry of Public Works, drainage channels are currently being constructed at kilometre point (KP) 24+225, and a 1 x 1 m culvert is under construction at KP 24+444. 

Another larger structure, measuring 1.50 x 1.50 m, is also under construction, with its diversion at KP 25+890. On another front of the project, pozzolan is being delivered for the treatment of critical points, notably at KP 42+200.

The said works are being carried out in response to certain site constraints, specifically regarding drainage, which have caused some damage to the road surface. 

The current works form part of a new initiative launched on March 18, 2026 by the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi.

During the launch, the Minister had called for a strengthening of drainage works and a more structured approach to the project’s organisation.

It should be recalled that the construction of the 60km Ekondo Titi–Kumba road in the South West Region was initially expected to be completed in 2025. 

The 2025 deadline was announced by the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, during a cabinet meeting held on July 29, 2024 at the Prime Minister’s office.

Launched in July 2016, the project was originally due to be completed in July 2018, with a construction period of 24 months. 

However, work was suspended in May 2018 due to insecurity in the South West Region. Work resumed four years later under the leadership of the Rapid Intervention Battalion, BIR, one of the country’s elite units of the army. 

The Minister of Public Works had assured that BIR teams are continuing their work on the ground, despite the complex security conditions in the region. 

In his 2024 outing, Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi had stated that significant progress had been made on the project since the BIR took over the project. 

“Among the advances are the completion of the hydraulic and hydrological studies, the production of aggregates, and the start of laying the road surface layers,” he said.

Going by the Minister then, works were expected be to completed by the first quarter of 2025. That was nearly seven years after the original projected completion date.

It must be said that the Ekondo Titi-Kumba road construction project forms part of the road component of the Three-Year Emergency Plan, Planut, which aims to accelerate economic growth in the country and improve living conditions for the population. 

The contract for the construction of the road was initially awarded to Tunisian company, Soroubat for a total of 38.2 billion CFA francs. 

On 15 January 2024, the Minister for Public Works announced that the contract with the company had been terminated on grounds of ‘force majeure’, as the company’s teams had been attacked by separatist fighters and their equipment vandalised, resulting in loss of life. 

Following a decision by the Head of State, the work was subsequently awarded to the BIR, for a cost of 40 billion CFA.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3767 of Tuesday April 21, 2026