On working visit to Bamenda: Works minister announces imminent start of major road projects across NW Region.

The visit took place last week. Minister Nganou Djoumessi and his delegation were in the Region to assess ongoing road construction and rehabilitation works ahead of the Pope’s visit, scheduled for April this year.

During a working session held in the city of Bamenda with stakeholders, including municipal authorities, regional officials, and representatives of BUNS Construction Company, Minister Nganou Djoumessi announced that several road projects have been earmarked this year for the Region.

The member of government told the gathering that: “The Ring Road remains a matter of urgent concern, with 96.6 kilometres already under construction”.

He announced that additional road projects will soon kick-off in the Region. 

The road projects, the Minister disclosed, include the Bamenda-Bafut-Wum stretch covering approximately 80 kilometres, currently in the preparatory phase.

He also cited the Bamenda-Bambui-Ndop-Babessi road spanning 44 kilometres as well as the Misaje-Dumbu-Nigeria frontier stretch, which is yet to be fully developed.

The minister noted that several of the said projects soon will be implemented with financing support from the African Development Bank, AfDB. 

He said the projects will be realised alongside the provision of social amenities for affected communities. He also mentioned ongoing works in Momo Division and plans to reconstruct the Bamenda-Mbengwi road.

Reiterating the need for collaboration, the minister stressed that “all those who have been compensated must vacate the public space (right of way) immediately”.

“I call on the population to mobilise for the Pope’s visit and support ongoing development efforts,” he said.

Projects in Bamenda advancing

Earlier during his visit to Bamenda, Minister Nganou Djoumessi had toured key road construction sites across the city to evaluate the progress of works being executed. 

He had also visited the Bamenda Cathedral, where he held a brief tête à tête with the Archbishop, His Grace Andrew Nkea Fauanya, as part of preparations for the Papal visit.

Commenting on ongoing road projects in Bamenda, the minister stated that: “The works on the urban crossing in Bamenda are progressing satisfactorily”.

He then emphasised that: “We have been instructed by the Head of State to ensure that the sections of road to be used during the Pope’s visit are completed before his arrival”.

The minister added that “efforts are being intensified to meet this deadline”. According to him, priority has been placed on key stretches, insisting that: “The roads from Hospital Roundabout to St. Bless Bridge must be passable before April 10, even if there are not fully tarred”.

He further urged contractors to remain proactive, stating that “contractors should begin work early each day, especially considering the rainy season”.

During the session, the Minister gave the Regional Delegate of Public Works the floor to elaborate on the condition of the city’s entrance and the way forward.

The delegate disclosed that a service order has already been signed by the Minister for BUNS Construction Company to carry out urgent rehabilitation works. 

He explained that the intervention will target potholes along the stretch from Tradex filling Station to Finance Junction via the station hill, linking up with the Bamenda urban crossing. 

The works will also cover the stretch from Governor’s Junction to École des Champions. He added that the company has assured that within five days of the service order, equipment will be mobilised and the identified sections addressed.

The Head of the Control Mission also presented a technical update, outlining completed works, outstanding tasks, and areas where community cooperation is required to facilitate timely delivery.

We are ready to deliver

Meanwhile, speaking on behalf of the contractor, the General Manager of BUNS Construction Company, Njong Eric, called for improved communication between authorities and the population. 

He also apologised for inconveniences caused by the works, particularly disruptions in urban water supply due to damaged pipelines, and assured that essential services would be restored soon.

Responding to the concerns, the minister stated that “the work cannot be complete without social acceptance; the population must cooperate”.

He further reassured affected residents, emphasising that “there will be no destruction without compensation”.

The minister disclosed that about 30 persons have already been identified for relocation, and funds for their compensation are available.

Taking the cue, the Mayor of Bamenda I, Mbigha Felix, expressed appreciation for the scale of the project, describing it as farfetched in the city.

Mayor Mbigha then appealed for similar development initiatives to be extended to other parts of the region.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3743 of Friday March 27, 2026