PM Dion Ngute Inspects Bamenda Road Projects, Links Infrastructure Development to Peace Efforts

By Martial Gnoukapasir 

Cameroon's Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute, has inspected ongoing road projects in Bamenda to assess their progress as the government continues efforts to improve urban infrastructure and restore peace and normalcy in the North West Region.

The inspection took place during the Prime Minister's working visit to the region, where he is engaging stakeholders on issues relating to peace, reconciliation and development.

He was accompanied by the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, who is in charge of road projects implemented under the French Debt Relief and Development Contract, C2D.

Among the projects presented for evaluation were roads around the Fons Street area and the stretch linking Veterinary Junction to the Bamenda City Council.

PM Dion Ngute flanked by MINDHU Minister Celestine keutcha courtes

Other road sections inspected included the Ecole de Champions road junction, the Bamenda I New Market–Amour Mezam Junction road, the Amour Mezam–Veterinary Junction road and the stretch from Veterinary Junction to City Chemist.

The Prime Minister was also presented with the state and rate of execution of the Bamenda Urban Crossing project, a major infrastructure initiative expected to transform traffic circulation and improve mobility within the regional capital.

The Bamenda Urban Crossing project is a major government initiative designed to transform approximately 6.5 kilometres of the city's main transit route into a modern dual carriageway with two lanes in each direction, commonly referred to as a 2×2 road.

As of October 2026, the project is reported to be approximately 50 per cent complete, with completion targeted for February 2027.

The project has an estimated cost of between CFA 26.7 billion and CFA 30 billion, with funding support from the World Bank and the Government of Cameroon. BUNS Construction Company is responsible for executing the works.

One of the project's major components is the widening of the existing road from 17 metres to 30 metres to accommodate the modern boulevard.

Beyond the expansion of the carriageway, the works include improved drainage systems, the relocation of utilities and the construction of hydraulic structures intended to improve water management and strengthen the road infrastructure.

The route covers several important points across Bamenda, including Hospital Roundabout, City Chemist, Welcome to Bamenda, Amour Mezam, Finance Junction, Governor's Junction and the Food Market.

When completed, the upgraded road is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce congestion along the city's main transit corridor and make movement between key commercial and administrative areas easier.

Beyond improving the city's road network, the projects are expected to contribute to broader efforts to restore peace and community harmony in Bamenda and the North West Region.

For residents who have endured years of crisis and disruptions to economic and social activities, improved roads could make a significant difference in their daily lives.

Better road connections could facilitate movement between neighbourhoods, improve access to markets, schools and health facilities, and reduce transportation difficulties for commuters and commercial operators.

Traders and small business owners are also expected to benefit from easier transportation of goods and improved access to commercial centres. Better connectivity could encourage businesses to reopen, attract investment and create economic opportunities for young people and other residents.

The modernisation of the main transit route could also strengthen connections between communities and improve access to essential services, helping to support the gradual restoration of normal social and economic activities.

These benefits are particularly important in Bamenda, where years of sociopolitical crisis have affected livelihoods, business operations and the movement of people.

By investing in infrastructure that responds to the population's everyday needs, the government seeks to improve living conditions while supporting the wider process of restoring stability in the region.

While road construction alone cannot resolve the challenges facing the North West Region, infrastructure development remains an important component of the wider peacebuilding process.

The completion of the Bamenda Urban Crossing project and other ongoing road works could provide tangible benefits to residents while helping to rebuild confidence in public development initiatives.

However, the ultimate impact will depend on the timely completion, quality and sustainability of the infrastructure, alongside continued efforts to promote security, dialogue, reconciliation and inclusive development.

With the Bamenda Urban Crossing project targeting completion in February 2027, attention will remain focused on the pace of construction and the delivery of the expected improvements.

For the population, the hope is that these investments will translate into safer and easier movement, stronger commercial activities and better living conditions.

As the government advances its infrastructure programme in Bamenda, the projects represent more than physical road improvements. They also carry the potential to support economic recovery, strengthen community connections and contribute to the long-term pursuit of peace in the North West Region.