The Challenges of the Road Network in Cameroon: Between Financial Inadequacies and Climate Impact
A road network in difficulty
Cameroon’s road network, which is over 121,000 kilometres long, faces major challenges related to its asphalting and maintenance. Despite considerable investments allocated to this sector, financial resources remain insufficient to effectively meet infrastructure needs, particularly in the face of rapidly changing climatic conditions. Roads are often damaged, slowing down modernisation work and affecting the daily lives of users.
Security conditions, particularly in some regions, and the limited capacity of some companies to deliver projects on time also exacerbate the deterioration of the network. During a recent review of the 62 ongoing road projects, the Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi , expressed his exasperation at these delays: “You have 13 billion CFA francs from the Cameroonian government for nothing,” he told a representative of a Chinese company that has been unable to complete a 70-kilometre section from Ngaoundéré to Paro for five years.
Climate change and security challenges
Cameroon, like other African countries, is bearing the brunt of the consequences of climate change. Heavy rains and floods, combined with often poorly designed or aging structures, have caused considerable damage to road infrastructure. Last August, an embankment on a road under construction collapsed, creating a gap in the roadway. In addition, 16 bridges collapsed in the Massock-Song Loulou district in the Littoral region, isolating the area from the rest of the country.
In addition to climate challenges, some regions of the country are facing security issues that are slowing down infrastructure projects. This is particularly the case in the English-speaking regions and in the Far North, where essential road works are hampered by instability and risks linked to the presence of armed groups. However, initiatives are being taken to secure these projects. Emmanuel Mbouni, head of the monitoring mission on the Mora-Dabanga-Kousseri road, indicated that the work is progressing under the protection of the army, with an execution rate of 12%. “This military presence reassures us,” he added.
Infrastructure under pressure
The Minister of Public Works also stressed that the roadways and drainage structures have reached their lifespan, which is increasing the deterioration of the roads. The non-compliance with regulations on the tonnage and size of vehicles by some drivers is also contributing to the deterioration of the infrastructure. This combination of climatic, security and behavioural factors is worsening the situation of the already underfunded road network.
Conclusion: Modernization is essential in the face of climatic and logistical challenges
Cameroon faces a colossal road infrastructure challenge. With extreme weather conditions and insecurity complicating the situation, construction companies are struggling to deliver projects on time. Although efforts are being made to improve road safety and resilience, including through adaptation to new climate conditions, the funds allocated remain insufficient to sustainably modernize the entire network. To hope for effective development and increased connectivity across the country, greater investment and better project management are needed.
