The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Célestine Ketcha Courtes, has assured Prime Minister Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute that implementation of major urban development projects under the C2D programme in Bamenda is progressing in the right direction.
The assurance came on Wednesday, 14 October 2026, when the Prime Minister began a two-day working visit to the North West regional capital with an inspection of ongoing infrastructure projects. Accompanied by the Minister, Regional Delegate for Housing and Urban Development Njosi John Paul and Bamenda C2D Programme Coordinator Dr Njeta Bertrand Nchanji, the Head of Government visited several sites to assess progress and receive updates from local implementing officials and project teams.
The Prime Minister expressed visible satisfaction during the inspection, which covered projects funded by the government and development partners. The C2D urban road programme featured prominently in the visit, alongside other public infrastructure projects being implemented under different funding arrangements.
At Prison Junction, the delegation received an update on the C2D-funded road project linking the junction, passing in front of Bamenda Central Prison, to Avenir Market. The road is part of a wider urban infrastructure programme intended to improve access between neighbourhoods, commercial areas and public facilities.
The inspection continued at the Fon’s Street area in Bamenda II Subdivision, where the Prime Minister was briefed on ongoing C2D-funded road construction and rehabilitation works. The project is among several interventions designed to improve movement within the city and provide more durable road surfaces.
At the Food Market, the Prime Minister received updates on the section of the Bamenda Urban Crossing road project under construction. The project, however, is separate from the C2D programme. It is funded by the World Bank and supervised by the Ministry of Public Works.
Throughout the inspection, Joseph Dion Ngute congratulated engineers and project teams on work accomplished, while issuing instructions where improvements were required. He emphasised compliance with construction standards and the need to ensure that public investments produce durable infrastructure.
The C2D programme forms part of Cameroon cooperation with France, under which eligible debt repayments are converted into development funding, with support from the French Development Agency (AFD). Under the Regional Capitals II initiative, the programme targets Bamenda and Maroua, with investments in urban roads, drainage, markets and other public facilities.
According to figures provided by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development, approximately FCFA 35.7 billion has been mobilised for the programme in Bamenda. This comprises about FCFA 30.5 billion in C2D funding, FCFA 4 billion in state counterpart funding and additional support through an AFD grant.
The investment is intended to address longstanding urban infrastructure challenges, including deteriorating roads, inadequate drainage and limited commercial facilities. The expected benefits include easier movement across the city, improved access to markets and public institutions, and better conditions for traders and businesses.
The programme covers several road corridors across Bamenda, including Vicky Street–Church Centre Junction, Back Market–TAC–CAMCCUL Atuazire, Ndamukong Street–Farmers’ House and Clifton Hotel–Ntambessi. The wider portfolio also includes market infrastructure, notably the Mile 4 Market in Nkwen, which is designed to provide organised trading spaces and supporting facilities.
The market development programme seeks to improve conditions for traders and strengthen the organisation of commercial activities. The Mile 4 facility is planned to accommodate approximately 420 traders, with 368 shops under the relevant construction package. Other market projects identified under the programme include Bamenda I New Market and Ntatru Market.
Beyond the C2D projects, the Prime Minister inspected other major infrastructure initiatives in the city. These included the construction site of the Public Independent Conciliator headquarters, the North West Regional Assembly building and the North West Customs head office.
The Prime Minister also visited the Mankon District Hospital, whose rehabilitation was carried out by the North West Regional Assembly, before ending the day with a visit to the Mankon Fon’s Palace.
On Thursday, 15 October, the Head of Government is scheduled to officially launch a community dialogue operation for the region.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web
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