Min. Ketcha Courtes Assures Prime Minister on Project Delivery, Promises Better Roads, Modern Markets

Bamenda's urban renewal program is gathering momentum, with Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Célestine Ketcha Courtes, assuring residents that ongoing road and market projects will improve mobility, commercial activities and the city's overall appearance.

The minister gave the assurance on Wednesday, October 14, 2026, during a field visit with Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute to inspect infrastructure projects being implemented under the C2D program in the North West regional capital.

The projects, valued at approximately FCFA 35.7 billion, form part of a broader government initiative to upgrade roads, improve access to public facilities and provide better trading spaces in Bamenda.

Accompanied by the Prime Minister, the minister visited several construction sites, where engineers and project officials presented updates on the progress of work. The delegation also included the Regional Delegate for Housing and Urban Development, Njosi John Paul, and the Bamenda C2D Program Coordinator, Dr. Njeta Bertrand Nchanji.

Ketcha Courtes expressed confidence in the progress made so far and assured the population that the ongoing interventions would bring noticeable improvements to the city. She also pledged that the instructions issued during the inspection, particularly those concerning construction quality and delivery deadlines, would be respected.

One of the projects reviewed was the road linking Prison Junction to Avenir Market, passing in front of the Bamenda I Council. The road, which is more than 95 percent complete, is expected to improve access to the council and surrounding commercial areas while helping to reduce congestion around Customs Junction.

The delegation subsequently inspected the 1.3-kilometre road connecting Customs Junction to Government Bilingual High School Bamendankwe. Executed by Edge, the project will provide a dual carriageway linking the area to the newly constructed road leading to the Welcome to Bamenda landmark through Akumbele.

The development also includes a new roundabout at Customs Junction. According to the project information presented during the visit, the construction period should not exceed 10 months.

At Veterinary Junction, the delegation assessed progress on the 1.5-kilometre road linking the area to Mulang through the Bamenda City Council. The City Mayor indicated that the road was expected to be completed by the end of December 2026.

Works at Fon's Street Junction were also inspected, with the Prime Minister urging engineers and contractors to maintain the pace of construction and deliver the projects within the agreed timeframes.

Ketcha Courtes reaffirmed her commitment to ensuring that the works meet the required standards, describing the ongoing developments as important steps towards improving Bamenda's urban environment.

Road Network and Markets at the Centre of Investment

The Bamenda projects are being implemented under the second phase of the Regional Capitals Development Program, which targets urban infrastructure in Bamenda and Maroua.

The program operates within the C2D framework, a cooperation arrangement between Cameroon and France through which resources linked to debt repayment are redirected towards development projects, with support from the French Development Agency.

Figures from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing indicate that approximately FCFA 35.7 billion has been mobilized for the programme in Bamenda. The funding comprises about FCFA 30.5 billion from the C2D, FCFA 4 billion from the Cameroonian government and additional assistance through an AFD grant.

The investment covers road construction, drainage systems, markets and other public facilities intended to improve living and working conditions across the city.

Several major road corridors are included in the program. These include Vicky Street to Church Centre Junction, Back Market through TAC to CAMCCUL Atuazire, Ndamukong Street to Farmers' House, and Clifton Hotel to Ntambessi.

The projects are expected to improve connections between neighbourhoods, commercial centres and public institutions while making movement through the city easier for residents and businesses. Market infrastructure also features prominently in the development plan. Construction of the Bamenda I New Market, located near the cattle market, has reportedly progressed beyond 80 percent.

In Nkwen, the Mile 4 Market is designed to accommodate approximately 420 traders, with 368 shops planned. The Ntatru Market is also among the facilities covered by the program.

When completed, these markets are expected to offer traders more organized spaces for their activities and improve the conditions under which goods are sold.

Delivering Infrastructure That Meets Public Needs

For the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, the program represents a major investment in the improvement of Bamenda's public infrastructure. Its impact will depend on the timely completion of the projects and their ability to address the city's transport, drainage and commercial needs.

During the inspection, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute expressed satisfaction with progress at the sites but stressed the importance of quality construction and the responsible use of public funds. His instructions placed renewed emphasis on meeting deadlines without compromising the durability of the works.

Ketcha Courtes assured the Prime Minister that the concerns raised would be addressed and reiterated her confidence that the completed projects would give Bamenda a more developed urban outlook.

As several construction sites approach completion, attention is increasingly focused on the delivery of the remaining works and the practical benefits they will bring to residents, traders and other users of the city's infrastructure.

The coming months will therefore be important for the ministry and its project partners as they work towards turning the ongoing investments into functional roads, improved market facilities and better urban services for Bamenda.

#Laarry Times