The long wait is finally over for Bamenda residents as Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, arrives in the North West regional capital on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, to launch the long-delayed 6.2-kilometre Bamenda Urban Crossing. The project, which had been stalled for years over disputes about its 32-metre road width, is expected to bring relief to residents weary of dust, mud, and constant vehicle breakdowns.
But the Prime Minister’s visit is far from symbolic, it is a tightly packed working trip that touches virtually every major infrastructure project in Bamenda.
A Busy Morning: Commissioning and Presentations
The day begins at 9:00 a.m. at Matazem, where the Prime Minister will be welcomed by the Regional Constituted Corps before inspecting a guard of honour. He will immediately proceed to commission the long-awaited Babadjou–Bamenda Road (Lots 1 & 2), a milestone in reconnecting Bamenda to the rest of the country after years of treacherous travel.
The Prime Minister will then make a brief stop at the “Welcome to Bamenda” monument before visiting the Prison Junction–BMM C2D Road project site, where the control mission will present progress reports.
By 11:00 a.m., he is expected at the Regional Assembly where he will be received by the Governor of the North West Region and other dignitaries. This segment will feature a word from the President of the Regional Assembly, followed by key presentations:
C2D Projects Overview – by the National Coordinator
MINDHU Projects Update by the Regional Delegate of Housing and Urban Development and Major Public Works Projects Status by the Regional Delegate of Public Works.
At 11:45 a.m., Dion Ngute will visit the leisure park adjacent to the Governor’s Office, a C2D initiative aimed at enhancing public recreation spaces.
Site Visits and Market Revamp
The afternoon will be dedicated to extensive site visits, beginning with the Lot 4A road section from Ecole des Champions to Amour Mezam Junction (part of National Road 11). The PM’s convoy will make brief stops at Hotspot Junction and the Cattle Market entrance before touring the newly constructed Bamenda I New Market under the C2D project.
A major highlight will be the official inauguration of the Mile 4 Bridge, which has been a notorious bottleneck during rainy seasons, often cutting off students and traders. The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the administrative block of the Mile 4 Market, signalling the government’s push to modernize the city’s commercial infrastructure.
Additional stops include a visit to the BUNS Base, Bamenda Stadium, and Commercial Avenue, which are part of C2D’s urban renewal plan.
Climax: Dual Launch of Flagship Projects
At 2:00 p.m., Dion Ngute will preside over the dual launching of C2D–MINTP projects and the World Bank-funded Bamenda Urban Crossing, in a high-profile event expected to gather government ministers, local authorities, and development partners.
The City Mayor of Bamenda will deliver a welcome speech before the Prime Minister formally launches the long-awaited projects.
The working visit will conclude with a formal dinner at the Governor’s Residence in New GRA at 5:00 p.m., after which the Prime Minister and his delegation will depart for Yaoundé.
Turning Point for Bamenda
Wednesday’s events mark a critical moment for Bamenda, which has struggled for years with poor infrastructure and sluggish project execution. For many residents, the visit signals that the government is finally moving from promises to delivery.
This visit comes exactly two months after Dion Ngute chaired the 7th Steering Committee Meeting of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) in Bamenda, a sign that the city’s recovery remains high on the national agenda.
Comments
Post a Comment