Cameroon’s Yaoundé-Douala Highway: A Costly Undertaking?
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The expansion of the Yaoundé-Douala highway, a crucial artery connecting Cameroon’s two largest cities, is shrouded in cost uncertainty. While the Ministry of Public Works recently announced a $1.4 billion (880 billion CFA francs) price tag for Phase II, contradicting earlier statements, questions remain about the project’s true financial scope and transparency.
The project’s contractor, China First Highway Engineering Company (CFHEC), will be paid “within the framework of a public contract at a unit price,” according to a ministry statement.This means payments will be based on “services performed and approved by the technical revenue commission.”
However, this figure directly clashes with statements made by Public Works Minister Emmanuel Nganou Djoumessi to the National Assembly’s Finance and Budget Committee. He admitted that the final cost remains undetermined,pending the completion of technical studies. “It is on the basis of this analysis that we can determine the cost of the work,” he stated. He further explained that the government is “still in the projections that will allow the establishment of special funding and the conclusion of a work contract on the basis of unit prices.”
The committee’s report highlights the lack of finalized contracts for Phase II, stating, “The contracts for the second stage work are not yet available. It is indeed after the prices are established that the financial partners move.Funding issues will be discussed with the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Advancement and the Self-Regulating Zinc Fund.”
The discrepancies prompted committee members to compare the projected costs with similar infrastructure projects elsewhere. Minister Djoumessi addressed these concerns, explaining that Cameroon’s highway design differs: “They pointed out that Cameroon has chosen to develop highways of 33.5 m of the platform unlike some countries that do it at 26 m. In addition, the highways in Cameroon are two or even three times that can be expanded from the inside.” He also noted that the cost includes “the structure of the road, the structures, the amount of backfilling done,” and that “every time a road is developed in Cameroon, there is an agreement on basic socio-economic infrastructure that is included in the cost of building the roads.”
Phase II of the Yaoundé-Douala highway is divided into five sections: Bibodi-Bodmon (39.5 km), Bodmon-edéa Est (34 km), edéa Est – Edéa Ouest (30 km), Edéa Ouest – Pitti Gare (18 km), and Pitti Gare-Massoumbou (19.5 km). currently, the highway extends from Yaoundé and connects to National Road 3 near boumnyebel.
The ongoing uncertainty surrounding the project’s cost raises concerns about financial transparency and potential cost overruns, issues that resonate with large-scale infrastructure projects globally. The situation underscores the complexities of large-scale infrastructure development in developing nations and the importance of robust planning and clear budgeting.
Cameroon’s Yaoundé-Douala Highway: A Costly Undertaking?
Teh expansion of Cameroon’s Yaoundé-Douala highway, a crucial artery connecting the nation’s two largest cities, is facing scrutiny due to conflicting cost estimates and concerns about financial openness.While the Ministry of Public Works has announced a $1.4 billion price tag for Phase II, contrasting statements from government officials have raised doubts about the project’s true financial scope.
Conflicting Cost Estimates
Senior Editor: Welcome to “World today News!”. Joining us today is Dr. Amina Diallo, a transport infrastructure expert specializing in sub-Saharan Africa. Dr. Diallo,thanks for being here. there seems to be some confusion surrounding the cost of the Yaoundé-Douala highway’s expansion. The Ministry of Public Works announced a $1.4 billion price tag,but this figure diverges from statements made by the Public Works Minister. Can you shed some light on this discrepancy?
Dr. Diallo: It is indeed a puzzling situation. The announced figure appears at odds with the Minister’s statements suggesting that the final cost is yet to be steadfast pending the completion of technical studies. This lack of clarity raises concerns about the project’s financial planning and transparency.
Contractual Arrangements and funding
Senior Editor: The article mentions that the contractor, China First Highway Engineering Company, will be paid on a unit price basis. How common is this arrangement in large infrastructure projects, and what are the potential pros and cons?
Dr. Diallo: Unit price contracts are often used in infrastructure projects, especially when the scope of work might change during the construction phase. This allows for flexibility, but it also introduces potential risks. If unit prices aren’t carefully negotiated, costs can escalate, leading to budget overruns. The fact that contracts for Phase II are not yet finalized, as mentioned in the national Assembly’s report, further complicates matters.
Senior Editor: The article also refers to discussions with financial partners. Who are these likely partners,and what role do they play in a project like this?
Dr. Diallo: Typically, large infrastructure projects in developing countries involve a mix of domestic and international funding. The Self-Regulating Zinc Fund cited in the article is likely a national fund, while the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of the Economy, Planning and Regional Advancement would be responsible for securing loans or grants from international institutions like the World Bank or regional development banks.
justification for Costs
Senior Editor: The Public Works Minister defends the projected cost by comparing Cameroon’s highway design to those in other countries, citing wider platforms and the inclusion of additional infrastructure. can you comment on whether these factors could justify the notable cost?
Dr.Diallo: Wider roadways and additional infrastructure like bridges and interchanges can undoubtedly increase costs. However, without access to detailed technical specifications and cost breakdowns, it’s difficult to assess whether the proposed price tag is truly justified. Greater transparency is essential to build public trust in these large-scale projects.
Conclusion
Senior Editor:
Dr. Diallo, thank you for providing your valuable insights into this vital issue. The Yaoundé-Douala highway project highlights the challenges of balancing infrastructure development with transparency and financial duty. It will be crucial to closely monitor the project’s progress and ensure that funds are used effectively for the benefit of the Cameroonian people.Related posts:
