By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
A significant working session took place last March 5, 2025 at the Tiko Council Conference hall to discuss the long-awaited rehabilitation of the Bekoko-Mutengene-Limbe-Idenau road. Chaired by the Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Fako, Engelbert Viang Mekala, the meeting brought together administrative authorities, traditional leaders, local stakeholders, and a cross-section of the population.
A long-awaited development
The rehabilitation project, which was announced by the Head of State in his end-of-year speech on December 31, 2024, seeks to address the deteriorating condition of the vital highway linking several key towns in the South West Region. The Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road is a crucial economic and social artery, facilitating trade, tourism, and general movement within the region.
In his welcome address, the Lord Mayor of Tiko Council, HRH Dr. Peter Ikome Mesoso III, emphasised the importance of community cooperation, urging all stakeholders to support the initiative. He called on traditional rulers to sensitise their communities to embrace the project and work hand in hand with the state to ensure smooth execution.
Project scope and financing secured
A representative of the contracting firm, Ati Bonisa, Enow Benjamin, outlined the project’s key features. The road will be upgraded into a double-lane highway, with some sections spanning up to 18 meters. In Mutengene, a flyover will be constructed to ease congestion. The financing for the project, estimated at FCFA 121 billion, has been secured from foreign donors, allowing construction to commence without delay.
The total road span will be approximately 113 kilometers, covering the main Bekoko-Idenau stretch (97 km), along with additional routes, including Mutengene to Mile 17 (10 km) and Tiko Roundabout to the Tiko Wharf (4.5 km).
Government assurances and community engagement
Speaking at the session, Fako SDO, Viang Mekala reassured the public that the project was not just a political promise but a real commitment by government. He noted that doubts had been raised regarding the project’s feasibility, and this meeting served as an opportunity to reaffirm the government’s dedication.
The SDO emphasised the importance of full population support, particularly in the evaluation phase. A special commission has been set up to assess properties along the road to determine appropriate compensations for affected individuals. Property owners with valid documentation will be eligible for compensation, but even those without formal land titles will have their properties assessed.
“The commission will pass through each locality to evaluate houses, farms, and other affected structures. Compensation will follow in due time, but first, we must ensure a proper evaluation,” the SDO stated.
He also encouraged affected individuals to cooperate, stating, “Where the road passes, development follows. We need this road for our future.”
A call for local employment and participation
An important aspect of the project is its potential to create employment opportunities for local youths. It was recommended that the contractors engage young people from the affected areas, equipping them with valuable skills in construction and road maintenance. “This project is not just about building a road; it is about building our people. Youths should seize this opportunity to gain skills and employment,” said Enow Benjamin of Ati Bonisa.
Challenges and precautionary measures
Despite the excitement surrounding the project, concerns were raised about potential displacement due to property demolitions. The contractor advised residents against constructing new buildings along the planned road expansion, as such structures may be marked for demolition. “Some houses are already built too close to the existing road. We urge people to stop any further construction within these areas,” Enow Benjamin warned.
Additionally, the need for continuous monitoring of the project was emphasised. Local leaders and stakeholders were urged to work closely with the contractors to ensure quality control and adherence to timelines.
Looking ahead: A road to transformation
The rehabilitation of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road marks a transformative phase in infrastructure development in the South West Region. Beyond improving transportation, the project is expected to boost economic activities, facilitate trade, and enhance connectivity between key towns.
The government has assured that the evaluation process will be conducted transparently, and compensations will be handled fairly. Meanwhile, the construction phase is set to commence as soon as preliminary assessments are completed.
For the people of Fako Division, this project represents a new dawn, a long-overdue infrastructural upgrade that promises to reshape the region’s future.