In a visit aimed at accelerating development and cementing a return to peace, the Prime Minister and head of government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, officially launched the Bamenda Urban Crossing Project on Wednesday, 17 September 2025.
The project is part of a series of multi-billion CFA franc initiatives designed to modernise infrastructure and improve living conditions in the regional capital and its environs.
The Prime Minister’s visit, which began with the opening of the newly completed Babadjou-Bamenda road at Matazem, underscored the government’s commitment to delivering on its promises.
“A promise made is a promise kept,” Prime Minister Dion Ngute declared, referencing his previous visit in July 2025, where he had stressed the need for road infrastructure improvements in the region. He emphasised that the newly commissioned road would not only provide a modern link for users but also secure a vital connection between Cameroon and Nigeria, giving a significant boost to trade and regional stability.
The ceremony for the urban crossing project, a collaboration between the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINDHU) and the Ministry of Public Works (MINTP) with support from the World Bank, took place at the Veterinary Junction. This 11.6-kilometre road network, divided into four lots, is a crucial component of the larger plan to overhaul the city’s infrastructure and interconnect its different neighbourhoods.
The Scope of the Urban Crossing Project
The Bamenda Urban Crossing Project, with a total investment of over 59 billion CFA francs allocated for reconstruction in Bamenda and Maroua, is set to drastically improve mobility within the city.
According to the Regional Delegate of Public Works, Nfor Cyprian, the project’s studies are complete, with work scheduled to begin in the coming weeks. The remaining 52 compensation cheques for affected residents have been handed out, paving the way for construction.
“There are many road projects ongoing in the region with villages and linkages which have been included in major projects,” Nfor Cyprian explained. “We have conventions with UNVDA and Mideno for some farm-to-market roads in several communities.”
The Prime Minister’s delegation also received a detailed briefing on ongoing projects from various government officials at the Northwest Regional Assembly. The Regional Delegate of Housing and Urban Development, John Paul Njusi, highlighted several key initiatives, including a 5.3-kilometre internal road network at the University of Bamenda, which is 79% complete. He also noted the construction of bridges at Mile 4 Nkwen and Lachance, both of which are over 97% complete and have been instrumental in solving a long-standing flooding problem.
C2D Projects: A Catalyst for Local Development
The Prime Minister’s visit also provided a platform to showcase the significant impact of the C2D projects in Bamenda. The C2D Coordinator, Bertrand Njeta, detailed how these projects, with a budget worth billions of CFA francs, have transformed communities by focusing on five key areas: road works, commercial facilities, basic urban amenities, open spaces, and leisure facilities.
Bertrand Njeta highlighted the labour-based approach, which has employed more than 200 young people in the region. “The projects, which employed 200 youths, were done using intensive labour as part of the fifth component,” he stated. He also proudly pointed out the construction of toilets in 13 primary schools that previously lacked them and the installation of lighting systems to enhance security and boost night-time commerce.
One of the most notable C2D interventions has been the rehabilitation of the Mile 4 and Bamenda 1 markets. “Mile 4 market was ravaged by fire, and the governor insisted on its reconstruction, which was funded by the C2D,” Bertrand Njeta explained, adding that “…351 traders were affected.” The new roads, he added, are being built with durable, 20-year lifespan technology using local Cameroonian materials.
A Call for Peace and Development
In his address to the assembled crowds at Veterinary Junction, Prime Minister Dion Ngute used the occasion to issue a heartfelt plea for peace. He reminisced about the 2018 incident where workers on the Babadjou-Bamenda road were attacked and equipment destroyed in a “barbaric manner.” He saluted those who have since “come to their senses” and urged them to abandon the destructive path in favour of peace and development.
He also recounted the gains of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD), which has already revitalised several projects in the region, including the Atugolah Stadium and rehabilitated schools and women’s empowerment centres.
The head of government extended an olive branch to the region’s youth. He urged them to embrace the helping hand of the President of the Republic and “turn away from those who are luring them into acting violently.”
With the official launch of the urban crossing project and the inauguration of other critical infrastructure, the Prime Minister’s visit sends a powerful message that the government is fully committed to rebuilding and revitalising the Northwest region.
These infrastructure projects are aimed at fully restoring lasting peace and fostering economic growth in Bamenda and the Northwest region as a whole.
By Ta Nformi Chris Mbunwe & Andrew Nsoseka, with field reports.