After years of waiting for the Bamenda Industrial Zone to translate its promise into real economic activity, a major milestone has been reached with the official handover of the North-Western Mutan Market from contractor Dreamland Connect to the North West Regional Assembly.
The provisional reception ceremony at Mile 6 Nkwen, Bamenda III Subdivision, brought together regional authorities, traditional leaders, development partners and community members who witnessed the transfer of a facility expected to redefine commerce and accelerate the transformation of the industrial zone.
Delivered under the World Bank-funded Local Governance and Resilient Communities Project (PROLOG), the FCFA 410 million investment represents one of the North West Regional Assembly’s flagship interventions aimed at strengthening local economic infrastructure.
Built by Dreamland Connect within four months, the specialised wholesale market comprises 57 sheds, public and internal sanitation facilities, a borehole water supply system with a 10,000-litre elevated tank, a 25KVA solar power installation and environmentally friendly sanitation technology.
The facility was formally presented by the contractor and received on behalf of the project owner, the North West Regional Assembly, marking the transition from construction to utilisation.
Presenting the project, Alombah Anderson Akondi, Director of General Affairs and Project Manager at the North West Regional Assembly, said the Mutan Market was designed as a strategic economic infrastructure rather than a conventional trading space.
He explained that the project responds to the need for organised commerce by providing traders with a modern environment equipped with essential services, while supporting the Assembly’s broader ambition of creating a Regional Economic Hub.
“The market is part of a wider vision,” officials explained, pointing to planned complementary infrastructure including customs warehouse and precinct services, logistics facilities, dry port operations and value addition centres.
The objective is to position Bamenda as a strategic inland commercial gateway capable of supporting trade with other regions of Cameroon and neighbouring Nigeria.
The handover comes against the background of years of limited activity within the Bamenda Industrial Zone.
Despite earlier investments in access roads, electricity infrastructure and land development, the zone remained largely underutilised, raising concerns over whether it would ever achieve its intended economic purpose.
The Mutan Market is now emerging as one of the first major anchors expected to change that narrative.
Bamenda III Council Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe described the project as a major boost to the municipality and the wider regional economy.
He said the facility would revitalise the industrial zone and reduce the burden on businesses that currently travel long distances to Douala for customs clearance and other commercial procedures.
The Mayor praised the vision of the North West Regional Assembly and described Dreamland Connect as proof that local expertise can successfully deliver complex public infrastructure.
He stressed that the contractor represents “a perfect solution to local problems”, demonstrating the capacity of indigenous companies to contribute meaningfully to regional development.
Beyond the infrastructure itself, the provisional reception ceremony became a moment of recognition for individuals associated with the project’s realisation.
His Royal Majesty Fon Azehfor III of Nkwen conferred the traditional title Prince of Mutan Market on the President of the North West Regional Assembly, Prof. Fru Angwafo III.
Decorating him with the traditional quill feather and cap, the Fon described the honour as the community’s appreciation for his leadership in delivering an investment expected to improve trade, livelihoods and economic opportunities in the region.
The Fon also honoured Dreamland Connect Chief Executive Officer Edison Fru Ndi with the title Tantoh of Mutan Market, recognising his professionalism and commitment in completing the project within record time and in good standard.
According to the traditional ruler, the achievement by Edison Fru Ndi demonstrates that local challenges can be addressed through local solutions.
He urged both title holders to continue supporting development initiatives that improve livelihoods and contribute to the rebranding of the North West Region.
For the Nkwen community, the project represents an opportunity that extends beyond commercial activity.
HRH Fon Azehfor III pledged the community’s support in safeguarding the facility and maintaining peace around the site, describing security and responsible use as essential to protecting the investment.
He said the Mutan Market, alongside the planned dry port and other developments within the industrial zone, would create employment opportunities, stimulate commerce and improve livelihoods across the North West Region.
For traders, the facility promises a cleaner, safer and more organised business environment.
For young people, expectations are centred on opportunities that could emerge around transportation, logistics, supply chains and small businesses linked to the market.
For Edison Fru Ndi, the contractor, the true measure of the project will not only be the completed structures but the economic activities they generate.
He said the success of the market will be seen in the businesses established, jobs created and families whose incomes improve because of the facility.
With the provisional reception completed, the focus now shifts from construction to impact.
The Mutan Market is expected to become the first major test of whether the industrial zone in Bamenda can finally move from promise to productivity.
For a city seeking an economic reset, the handover marks the beginning of a new phase where infrastructure, enterprise and regional ambition must now come together to deliver lasting transformation.
By Bakah Derick with Reports
Photos by NWRA and Laarrytimes
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