Bamenda City Road Works Imminent As Affected Property Owners Begin Receiving Compensation

By Anne-Valien Berinyuy

About 193 individuals whose properties were destroyed along the Urban Crossing section of the 6.5 km road stretch in Bamenda have begun receiving compensation. The compensation process officially commenced on June 18, 2025, at the Regional Delegation of Public Works, with over 150 affected individuals present.

This compensation initiative, as explained by stakeholders, adheres to international standards. Each beneficiary will receive an amount higher than what is stipulated by national guidelines, with the final sum varying based on the extent of property damage incurred.

SG, Ministry Of Public Works, Ebang Mve

Payments started a day after the Secretary General of the Ministry of Public Works, Ebang Mve Urbain Noel, visited Bamenda to launch this final phase in the compensation process. 

This marks the concluding step, and will now pave the way for work to commence on the 6.5 km Urban Crossing stretch of road in Bamenda starting from the Amour Mezam, through Finance, Ngeng and Veterinary Junctions, Ayaba Street, T-Junction, Mata Quarters, and back to City Chemist.

This stretch authorities said, was delayed due to the non-payment of compensation to those whose properties were destroyed.

Ngwainbi Paul Ayeah, North West Regional Delegate of Public Works

Ngwainbi Paul Ayeah, North West Regional Delegate of Public Works said with the compensation phase moving on smoothly, it's clear that works will begin before the end of 2025.

"We are working with the contractor that we have already proposed, BUNS, that will start work immediately after the compensation process."

He also reassured victims that efforts are being made to address their concerns fairly and transparently.

Recipients Express Mixed Feelings After Receiving Compensation 

Despite receiving compensation, some beneficiaries expressed dissatisfaction with the amounts. Many argue that even with adjustments to meet international standards, the funds fall short of covering their actual losses, especially given the rising costs of construction materials.

"They just came abruptly under conditions that we could not resist,"

 said Nji, one of the recipients, adding that

"proper evaluations should have been conducted prior to demolition and compensation."

Mdm Elise, another beneficiary, shared her concerns:

 "The money is insufficient compared to a bag of cement that was sold at the time for between 3,000 to 4,000 FCFA." 

Patrick, whose property was affected in the Meta Quarter neighborhood, stated he feels

 "a little bit satisfied" 

with the compensation he received. However, he criticized the extent of the demolition, saying, 

"I cannot carry the building to the level I wanted since the caterpillar touched it."

It is important to note that not all victims will receive the same compensation amount. Payments will be made according to the individual impact of the demolitions.

Individuals Waiting To Be Compensated 

As the city moves towards infrastructural development, authorities are urging residents of Bamenda to support the contractors and cooperate with ongoing road construction efforts. This collaboration is essential in fostering progress and aligning with the World Bank’s broader mission of poverty reduction.