The government of Cameroon and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, JICA, are fulfilling funding commitments for the construction of the second phase of the Ketta-Djoum road and the facilitation of transport on the Brazzaville-Yaounde corridor.

The Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi and representatives of JICA led by its Resident Representative to Cameroon, Umemoto Shinji, assisted by Yuumi Ushiro, Mission Head for Studies on the project, examined at a working session in Yaounde yesterday December 9, 2015.

Umemoto Shinji said Japan’s intention to fund the project was explained by its commitment to assist its friends in their quest to develop infrastructure and improve the livelihoods of their people.

The project is in two sections with Mintom-Lélé at 67.5 km and Lélé-Ntam-Mbalam at 53 km. JICA is expected to offer FCFA 25.1 billion, the African Development Bank FCFA 35 billion, the Development Bank for Central African States FCFA 17.1 billion and Cameroon FCFA 8.7 billion, for the total cost of FCFA 86.13 billion.

The project’s environmental and economic assessment impact studies are ready, with stakeholders looking forward to the signing of loan agreements to finalise funding deals.

Minister Nganou Djoumesssi said development only follows when the construction of highways is accompanied by the construction of secondary roads, warehouses, classrooms, potable water and promotion centres.

A remark that received approval by JICA, with Umemoto Shinji stressing his country’s commitment to assist Cameroon develops its agricultural breadbasket by opening up farm-to-market roads. The Minister told the JICA delegation that government was also looking for bodies to fund the Ekeng-Bengbis road.

“We do not borrow to pay salaries but to invest in projects that generate income for loan repayment and impact the livelihoods of the population,” stressed the Minister. He told JICA officials that Cameroon’s debt level stands at below 24 per cent and is sustainable.

Deficits in the balance of payments, he explained, was due to the massive imports of equipment for ongoing infrastructure projects which are expected to reduce in 2016 when first-generation projects are completed.