By Engah Peter Parkers
Friday, 26th June 2026, will be remembered as the day Limbe stopped talking about a second entrance and started funding it. In the packed Deliberative Chambers of the Limbe City Council Main Building, Bota, CAMEROG and municipal authorities officially launched the feasibility studies for a good modern tarred road linking Man O’ War Bay – Bimbia – Dikolo – Tiko.
Stakeholders say the project “would be a game-changer for Limbe”. The studies and preparatory works are budgeted at FCFA 251 million . The breakdown is now public: Limbe City Council has provided FCFA 165 million, while the Minister of Public Works has contributed FCFA 86 million.
“We should really know that the City Council has interest to see that Limbe becomes a genuine, a true city,” an official noted during the session, stressing that the minutes will go directly to the Minister of Public Works. “I count on your contributions. Thank you.”
A Second Way In and Out
For a city that has depended on a single congested entry for decades, the symbolism was heavy. “Not only because of the debts, but equally because many people who had appointments on the other side of our nation could not travel because the roads were blocked,” one stakeholder explained.
“A second access into Limbe, of course, would mean a second access out of Limbe into Tiko, and then to Douala for every other appointment or economic activity that we have to carry out.” For residents of Limbe 3, Bimbia, Dikolo, and Tiko, the promise is mobility, safety, and opportunity.
“This is more than a road project; it is a commitment to our city’s growth, our people’s mobility, and our region in general,” declared Limbe City Mayor Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale in his opening address. He framed the study launch as “the veritable start” of a corridor that will reshape investment across the Southwest coast.
He paid tribute to Mr. Viang Mekala, Senior Divisional Officer for Fako, for his “fatherly involvement,” and credited Prime Minister, Head of Government, His Excellency Dr. Chief Joseph Dion Ngute, and the Minister of Public Works for making the launch possible. “Without that impetus,” the Mayor said, “this communication jewel would still be on paper.”
Technical Scope: Studies, Design, and Sustainability
Officials were clear that this phase is not just paperwork. “Within the framework of these studies, we are going to do feasibility analysis, both technical and economical, evaluating which approach is going to be best for the execution of the construction of the road,” the technical team stated.
“Equally, we will have a detailed engineering design that will be done by the contractor. Added to that, we will have environmental and social impact assessments done to ensure sustainability of the project that we are carrying out.”
That means the 27km tarred road will be preceded by route optimization, cost-benefit analysis, slope and drainage studies, and ESIA to protect coastal ecosystems and communities.
From Congestion to Connection
Mayor Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale was blunt: “We all know that at the moment our city relies heavily on one main entrance and exit point.” The new tarred road will ease congestion, cut travel time, and provide a reliable alternative during emergencies or maintenance. For traders, families, and emergency services, that means “a safer journey.”
The road aligns with the planned expansion of Limbe 3 subdivision, the anchor zone for Limbe’s “New City.” “They say where the road passes, development follows,” Dr. Ngale noted. The corridor will impact Limbe, Tiko, and Douala, and will be critical when the Limbe Deep Sea Port takes shape.
Economic and Social Engine
In a follow-up interview, Mayor Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale said the road is about people, not just pavement. Citing President Paul Biya’s support and the NDS 2030–2035 strategy, he said it will open Bimbia’s agricultural potential — “where a high percentage of crayfish in the national territory comes from” — and unlock heritage tourism at the historic Slave Tree site.
“This modern tarred road will generate economic development because it passes through Bimbia… and it will facilitate the construction of the port and other municipal priorities,” he said.
The contractor, FULL STUDY SAL, reinforced that logic: the road will boost fishing, agriculture, and local trade, move goods faster, and enhance access to Bimbia’s Slave Trade Heritage Site. The project will follow a “study-design-construct” approach to shorten the gap between studies and works.
Stakeholders Set the Guardrails
The Secretary-General of Limbe City Council read out key resolutions. Stakeholders want the topography “well-studied” to prevent landslides and slope failures. They mandated all documents in English, population involvement in mapping history and protected areas, and harmonization with previous studies. They also asked for provision to extend the road in future even if the current budget does not cover it.
Compensation was another concern: affected persons will be compensated “based on the regulations in force” once the best route is chosen. Leaders from Bimbia, Dikolo, and Bonangome said transparency will determine community acceptance.
FULL STUDY SAL requested drone authorization for rapid surveys and expedited bill processing to keep field teams moving. The consultant also appealed for collaboration from traditional authorities.
A Call to Own the Project
First Assistant SDO Awa Dean closed with appreciation: “I like the very interactive discussions for this project, I saw you guys very enthusiastic with frank remarks.” That frankness, participants said, will make the project succeed.
Mayor Dr. Paul Efome L.M. Ngale ended on partnership: “It is incumbent for us… to follow the guidelines of the Ministry of Public Works… All authorities and the population have been informed, and everybody has shared their opinion.”
With FCFA 251 million now committed 165 million from the City Council and 86 million from the Ministry of Public Works — Limbe has moved from talk to technical work. If studies proceed, the city will get more than tar. It will get a modern, climate-smart corridor linking tourism, trade, agriculture, and a new urban frontier.
For now, the pen is on paper. The road, at last, has begun.
Cameroon, British Firm Sign MoU to advance construction of Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road
Government has taken a decisive step toward the construction of the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road with the signing of an agreement with British firm PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd, which will now prepare financing proposals for the project.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed in Yaounde on June 19 by Minister of Public Works Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi and representatives of the British firm. The corridor cuts through the South-West Region and is considered strategic for trade, mobility and economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.
The agreement establishes a framework for the next phase of project development, including site visits, technical assessments and the preparation of financial proposals required before construction can begin. Authorities say the move is intended to accelerate implementation of a project regarded as a key component of the region’s economic development plans.
According to the Ministry of Public Works, the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau road has been identified as the priority project among three major road corridors discussed with PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd. The other routes are Loum-Tombel-Kumba-Mundemba and Mutengene-Buea. Officials said Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau was selected first because technical studies have already been completed, allowing preparations to advance more quickly toward financing and execution.
The project is expected to improve connectivity between major economic centres in the South-West Region, facilitate the movement of goods and people, and strengthen access to commercial and industrial zones. The agreement marks an important step in moving the project from the planning stage toward investment mobilisation and eventual construction. Authorities believe the road will play a significant role in supporting economic activity along Cameroon’s Atlantic coast.
Djoumessi said the MoU was intended to translate a shared commitment into concrete action. He noted that the parties had identified three strategic roads in the South-West Region, with the Bekoko-Limbe-Idenau corridor designated as the priority project.
“Based on this Memorandum of Understanding, PROPAV, which is based in London and has financial backing, will propose financing conditions for the project and we will move forward. Together, we will discuss a timetable so that work can begin very quickly and ensure that the signing of an MoU does not remain only a document,” he said.
The agreement also enables PROPAV Infrastructure Ltd to submit technical and financial offers aligned with the expectations of the contracting authority. Company officials said they are ready to undertake the technical, financial and environmental assessments required before field operations commence.
United Kingdom High Commissioner to Cameroon Matt Woods, who accompanied the PROPAV delegation, welcomed the signing and praised the cooperation between the parties. He also thanked the Ministry of Public Works for its cooperation during discussions leading to the agreement.
“I am very pleased to be here with PROPAV and its Country Manager, Paula Miguel. This is the first step of a collaboration that I believe will be very fruitful. I have seen the personal commitment of the minister and the commitment of PROPAV, and I am confident that this road will be delivered,” Woods said.
British partners also reiterated their commitment to supporting implementation of the project, noting that the required studies for the priority road have already been completed. The MoU now provides the framework for advancing technical preparations, financing discussions and planning ahead of the start of construction works.