Upon completion, it is expected to increase the business climate in the South West and decongest the Douala Port.

The ongoing cry by business operators in the country about complicated processes to clear their goods, delays, lack of space for more goods at the Douala Port among others, is recurrent. Cognizant of this unfavourable reality, the Cameroon National Shippers’ Council (CNSC) has embarked on the construction of a giant warehouse at the Tiko Wharf.

Laying the foundation stone on February 12, 2015, the General Manager of CNSC Auguste Mbappe Penda, recalled the central role the Tiko Wharf played in the hey days by shipping crops like bananas, coffee, rubber, cocoa, abroad.

“The position of the Tiko Wharf in the sub-regional coastal trade cannot be overemphasized. Given its considerable draft, the increasing volumes of trade with neighbouring countries like Nigeria and Equatorial Guinea, Tiko is well placed to play a key role in the ever increasing seaborne trade.

Consequently, this necessitates a warehouse,” he explained. While assuring the population that the warehouse will create a rebirth of activities, Auguste Mbappe Penda said the warehouse will also help decongest the Douala Port.

South West Governor, Bernard Okalia Bilai, was optimistic that the warehouse is a relief to the business community in Tiko and the South West in general. He called on all the stakeholders involved to collaborate with CNSC to realize the project.

The Mayor of Tiko Municipality, Moukondo Daniel Ngande, was elated by the project which he says shall create jobs and increase the business climate in Tiko. He said his vision is to see the Tiko Wharf transformed into a complete sea port with all infrastructure put in place.

Etoga Achille, responsible for the construction of the warehouse, explained that the structure will have modern toilets, changing rooms with autonomous water and electricity supply systems, among others. The project is expected to see the light of day at the end of May 2015.