Construction of Kumba-Mamfe road: Public Works Minister expected in SW June 18

Cameroon Headlines, Kumba, June 15 – The much talked about the imminent construction of the Kumba-Mamfe road as announced by the Minister of Public Works early this year which is still to take -off and sent some inhabitants of Kumba concluding that it is yet another propaganda from the government, might have a clear cut date on which the road shall finally kick start as the Minister is expected to make a pronouncement to that effect when he comes to the South West Region Tuesday June 18, 2014, THE JOURNAL gathered.

Kumba-Mamfe Road as we know it

The Minister of Public Works Patrice Amba Salla had in a press release endorsed on February 18, 2014 announced that, the construction of the road will begin on the 5th May, 2014 and to last for 36 months. In that same release the Minister announced that, two Companies, China Communication Construction Company Ltd, CCC, and Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Engineering Group have, received thedeal to construct the road worth FCFA 54.6billion.Whereas CCC, is expected to  handle the 1st phase of the construction of 100km to the tune of FCFA 32.6 billion, Jiangsu Provincial Transportation Engineering will pocket over FCFA 22billion for the 2nd phase of 46.8km.But till date nothing is happening and no pronouncement has been made by the government as to what is going on especially as the rainy season is already around and soonest the Kumba-Mamfe road will be an eyesore.
Cameroon Headlines gathered that, the two road construction companies finally endorsed their contract of performance late last month and thus is ready to start work in the days ahead.
The then Meme Divisional Delegate for Public Works Nfor Cyprain had told the Press, that the work couldn't commence because the commission set up to compile the list of those to be compensated had just concluded their assignment and the Minister was currently examining the file.
 While in the Region this week, the Journal, learnt that, he will ascertain the veracity of those to be compensated and consequently disburse the money to those concern.
The Minister shall use the visit to appreciate the condition of the Kumba-Mundemba Road which is currently under rehabilitation by Cameroon Based Construction Firm, and will equally visit the Kumba-Mamfe road.
However when THE JOURNAL visited the road last week  there was clear indication that the road will soon commence as we could see some Chinese inspecting the road and even vehicles of the International Labour Organisation, ILO, which we understand will monitor the recruitment process on the road so that it match with standard.