By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
In a mission that brought some level of renewed hope for residents in the South West Region, the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi, last July 22, 2025, during a working visit made a strong promise that the long-neglected roads linking Bekoko, Tiko, Mutengene, Buea, Limbe, and Idenau will soon undergo total rehabilitation.
Standing at various critical spots along the deteriorating Tiko-Buea road corridor, the Minister acknowledged the unbearable state of the road and assured the population that works will begin within the week, starting with immediate sanitation and drainage clearing. He noted that the poor condition of these roads is not only due to aging infrastructure but also blocked drainage systems, which have worsened the deterioration. “I can understand the cry of the population. It is unfortunate that the situation is what I have seen. But I want to reassure the public that I have done what needs to be done at the level of the ministry. Funds have been allocated, contracts signed, and work will begin immediately,” the Minister declared.
Nganou Djoumessi revealed that the contract for road maintenance had been awarded to Chariot Company, a contractor familiar with the region. He emphasised that both the contractor and the control mission had received start-up notifications and would commence with immediate effect. However, recognising the urgency of the situation, he also ordered his technical teams on the ground including the Regional and Divisional Delegates of Public Works to begin fieldwork immediately, even before the contractor is fully mobilised.
“While we wait for the contractor’s full mobilisation, my teams will begin clearing blocked gutters and stabilising the road. We will involve local youth to support this effort through sanitation activities,” he explained.
One of the root causes of the road degradation, according to the Minister, is poor water drainage due to clogged gutters filled with refuse. As a short-term response, the ministry plans to use local manpower to unblock the drainage channels and use aggregates to temporarily stabilise and compact the road surface. The road infrastructure between Bekoko, Mutengene, Bolifamba, and the coastal towns of Limbe and Idenau is not only vital for the region’s mobility but also essential for economic activity, as the stretch serves as a major link between towns in Fako Division. The worsening condition of these roads has sparked growing frustration among residents and commuters alike, with travel times increasing and vehicle damage becoming a daily occurrence. “Although two separate contracts are currently being executed, one between Mutengene and Bolifamba, and the other between Bekoko and Limbe–Idenau, the circulation remains unsatisfactory. The companies involved have reported cash flow challenges due to delays in state payments,” the Minister admitted.
Nonetheless, the Minister insisted that financial constraints cannot be an excuse for inaction. He reminded the contractors that they were selected based on their declared financial capacity and are expected to fulfill their contractual obligations regardless of temporary payment delays.
In response to the administrative bottlenecks, the Minister indicated that the Governor of the South West Region and other local authorities would receive a comprehensive “situation of reference,” outlining the current state of the road network, ongoing projects, and future plans.
He also called on the mayors of Buea and Tiko to support the ministry’s immediate intervention measures by designating community members who can assist with sanitation and drainage clearing efforts.
Following the outing, many in the region see the Minister’s visit and assurance as a much-needed intervention. The local population now looks ahead with cautious optimism, hoping that this latest promise will bring real and lasting relief. “If we begin this afternoon, by next week, circulation will already begin to improve,” Minister Nganou Djoumessi concluded. With clear directives given, contracts in place, and a multi-level collaboration between local and central authorities initiated, residents can finally anticipate a new chapter for the South West’s road infrastructure, one marked by action, not just words.