The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Territorial Development (MINEPAT) and the Council of Ngaoundere III have initiated a FCFA 292 million public investment project using the High-Labour Intensity (HIMO) approach to rehabilitate secondary roads and modernise the Dang market, addressing advanced degradation that had paralysed local traffic.
The project, recently formalised in a convention, is designed to restore around 5 kilometres of critical secondary road infrastructure and improve market facilities, thereby enhancing economic connectivity and local commerce. The road works cover key junctions, while the market component will see the construction of 10 new commercial boutiques and two latrines at the Dang market, aimed at improving conditions for traders and consumers.
Beyond infrastructure, the initiative is expected to create 150 direct jobs, primarily for youth and women, through the HIMO approach that prioritises local labour and reduces reliance on imported machinery. HIMO projects in Cameroon have a track record of generating employment and retaining funds within local communities by using local materials and workforce, a mechanism that can see 70-80% of project budgets remain in local economies according to government sources.
The 12-month project is aligned with broader national goals to improve basic infrastructure and promote inclusive socio-economic development at the communal level. The commune leadership stated that a socio-economic reintegration support mechanism is planned to help workers transition into stable livelihoods after completion of the construction phase.
Nationally, road infrastructure remains a focus of public investment due to widespread degradation. Recent reports indicate that 75% of the national road network was classified in poor or mediocre condition, particularly at the communal level, where only about 18% of routes are in good or fair condition, highlighting the scale of needs at sub-national levels.
In the last five years, the government has invested nearly FCFA 1,957 billion in road infrastructure, reflecting a sustained commitment to transport sector development. Within this context, the Ngaoundere HIMO project contributes not only to local mobility improvements but also to broader efforts to leverage infrastructure investment to create jobs and expand economic participation, particularly among young people, who represent a significant share of Cameroon’s labour force.
Mercy Fosoh