The North West Region is seeing an unprecedented wave of housing, road construction, and urban renewal projects as government agencies and development partners ramp up investments to improve living conditions and ease mobility.
In a joint press briefing held on Thursday September 10, 2025, at the Regional Delegation of Public Works, three key officials, John Paul Njosi, Regional Delegate of Housing and Urban Development (MINDHU), Nfor Cyprain Ngenge, Regional Delegate of Public Works, and Dr. Njeta Bertrand Ndianji, C2D Coordinator and spokesperson for SPORCAP, presented a detailed update on ongoing projects and their expected impact.
John Paul Njosi, Regional Delegate of Housing and Urban Development.Low-Cost Housing Projects Progressing
Njosi highlighted MINDHU’s major achievements in providing affordable housing. The Bangshie Low-Cost Housing project, completed between 2020 and 2021, delivered 50 apartments of T2 and T3 types. Additional housing projects in Ngoketunjia Division have been completed and handed over, while work continues in Wum Municipality and Bamenda II Council under joint ventures between MINDHU, FEICOM, and local councils.
“These initiatives are crucial in meeting the housing needs of our growing population,” Njosi stated, urging continued collaboration to ensure timely completion.
Roads and Bridges Transforming Urban Mobility
Njosi and Ngenge emphasized that roads and drainage works remain a priority. In Bamenda, the tarring of 5.3 kilometres of internal roads at the University of Bamenda is nearly complete at a cost of CFA 2.04 billion. Major flood-prone zones have been addressed with the reconstruction of Mile 4 Bridge in Nkwen and La Chance Bridge at Small Mankon, with additional dredging works in Below Foncha to prevent recurrent flooding.
Njosi, added that there are currently studies on the way for the construction of 40 kilometres of roads within the three council areas that make up Bamenda I, II and III municipalities.
Journalists During Press Briefing.Other completed projects include the 1.7-kilometre Welcome to Bamenda–Tradex road, as well as the Meshongong–University stretch in Bambili. Ongoing studies are preparing the ground for a new double-lane road from Upstation to Finance Junction to decongest traffic, alongside 40 kilometres of interconnected urban roads.
Nfor Cyprain Ngenge, Regional Delegate of Public Works.Public Works Delegate Nfor Cyprain Ngenge reassured the public that work on the long-delayed Urban Crossing part of Lot 4B of the Babadjou-Bamenda road project would begin “in the days ahead” following the completion of studies and compensation of affected property owners.
“The population has been waiting for this project, and we can now confirm that all technical and administrative hurdles have been cleared,” Ngenge said, adding that contractor BUNS is set to mobilize on-site soon.
The Ring Road and National Connectivity
Ngenge also provided updates on the Ring Road, a flagship project linking Mezam, Bui, Donga Mantung, and Menchum divisions. Sections such as Kumbo–Ndu (44%) and Ndu–Nkambe (72%) are under active construction, while contracts have been launched for key stretches including Nkambe–Ako and Ako–Abongshie. Plans are underway to prioritize the busy Bamenda–Bafut–Wum corridor in parallel with other ring road sections to match traffic demands.
Bridges remain a critical focus, with efforts to complete abandoned structures like Casina Alas and Olorenti bridges, rebuild collapsed ones such as Sabongida, and rehabilitate Mbiame Bridge.
Dr. Njeta Bertrand Ndianji, C2D Coordinator.C2D and SPORCAP Driving Urban Development
Dr. Njeta Bertrand Ndianji, speaking on behalf of the French-funded C2D program, presented a wide range of interventions across five sectors: roads and drainage, commercial infrastructure, basic urban facilities, open leisure spaces, and a labour-based approach to job creation.
Under C2D, 11.6 kilometres of urban roads are under construction using roller-compacted concrete technology, a durable solution with a 20-year lifespan. Pedestrian bridges have been installed across flood-prone areas to improve school access, 13 new toilets have been built in primary schools, and 100 public lights have been installed in key quarters to boost security and night commerce.
Cross Section of Officials During Press Briefing.Commercial hubs are also being revitalized, including the Mile 4 Market, rebuilt after a devastating fire and the new Bamenda I Market, both targeting hundreds of displaced traders.
SPORCAP, a related program, is investing in modern sports infrastructure, with playgrounds and multipurpose courts under construction in Muatu, Mulang, Nibung, and GS Upstation to promote youth development and community recreation.
A Call for Public Awareness and Engagement
All three officials called on the press to help raise public awareness of these projects, stressing that community involvement is key to sustaining infrastructure gains.
“Many people are not aware of the massive investments being made in their neighbourhoods,” Ngenge said. “We need them to accompany us, encourage us, and provide feedback so we can improve where necessary.”
The briefing painted a picture of an ambitious but coordinated development drive aimed at transforming Bamenda and the North West into a more resilient, connected, and economically vibrant region despite ongoing security and logistical challenges.
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