The long delay hanging over commencement of the Kumba-Mamfe road construction project appears to be finally over. The Cameroon Journal can now confirm that the first lap of the road construction has started from the Kumba end of the project and will move up to Nfaitock, a community in Manyu Division.

The stretch from Kumba to Nfaitock according engineers is estimated at 115 kilometres. It is expected to be graded and tarred by 2017. The Company charged with construction of the first lap is China Construction Communication Company, CCCC Ltd.

The remaining 42 km stretch from Nfaitock to Bachuo-Akagbe is expected to be executed by another Chinese company. Heavy duty equipment including sophisticated bulldozers and caterpillars were recently moved to a camp also recently built for workers along the road.

Officiating at the launching of the project, First Assistant Senior Divisional Officer for Meme, Verklin Mbua Epolewane said that the launching was necessary because of the need for work to start. However, she hinted that the official launching and laying of the foundation stone by the Minister of Public Works is still expected in the days ahead even though about 15 kilometers have already been graded and widened.

The Assistant SDO said the local launching serves as an occasion to sensitize the public and remind them of their responsibilities. She also disclosed that compensation for those affected will be paid soonest.

She called on the communities affected by the project to give their total support and collaboration to the workers of CCCC Ltd, so that work would be completed hitch-free and on time.

Victor Nkelle Ngoh, Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, heaved a sigh of relief as the belated project finally comes to pass. He said that the abundant agricultural produce from the Southwest Region will finally find easy access to a vast market.

“The population of Meme Division and South West as a whole are sure that there would be a combine effect between the completion of the Kumba-Mamfe road project and the Higher Teachers’ Technical Training College (HTTTC). This will go a long way to bring an unprecedented economic and social boom in the city of Kumba and the entire Southwest Region and youths will boast of employment.” Ngoh said.

CCCC’s Project Director whose name we only got as Wang, assured that the results of the Kumba-Mamfe road project will be satisfactory provided they are given the maximum support and efforts by the state and the communities along the construction site.

Several members of the public expressed joy with the start of work on the road. One of them, the Head Teacher of GS Iklinwindi, Akwo Fred Nkendo, observed that from what she sees on the ground there is no turning back and that the road will arrive at its logical conclusion this time.

A support staff of the Divisional Office in Konye, one Ngoh Richard said that the construction is already about 15 kilometers gone with the widening of the road. According to the Public Relation Officer for Konye Council cum Konye Council Community Radio Station Manager, Eddy Bokuba, an effect already being witnessed with the start of the project is the nose-diving of transport fares between Konye and Kumba. Until now, it cost FCFA 5,000 to move from Konye to Kumba; the fare is now FCFA 2,500.