Collapse of Bonepoupa-Yabassi Road Sparks Outrage Amid Allegations of Corruption in Cameroon

With a project cost of 39 billion FCFA, this collapse has not only shocked the public but also reignited questions about corruption within Cameroon’s public works sector.

The Bonepoupa-Yabassi road, constructed as part of the second phase of the Douala-Yabassi project, was intended to enhance connectivity in the Littoral Region. The fact that it has already crumbled before its official inauguration has sparked outrage on social media, with many pointing fingers at officials and the endemic corruption that plagues the country’s infrastructure projects.

One social media user, choosing to remain anonymous, shared a damning indictment of the corruption surrounding public contracts in Cameroon. “The real issue is not the Minister of Public Works, Nganou Djoumessi, nor the company in charge of the construction. It is the endemic corruption in Cameroon,” the user wrote. They detailed how entrepreneurs are often forced to pay between 30-40% of the total project cost in bribes, spanning various stages from the awarding of contracts to site inspections, adjustments, and final approvals. 

These allegations echo a long-standing belief that corruption significantly impacts the quality of infrastructure projects in the country, forcing contractors to cut corners in order to compensate for the exorbitant bribes demanded at various levels of bureaucracy.

Governor's Reaction to the Collapse

In response to the collapse, the Governor of the Littoral Region, Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, visited the site with his team to assess the situation. The Governor pointed to heavy rainfall as a primary factor behind the collapse, stating that “the intense rainfall in this area affected the underground part of the road, causing the collapse. Given the morphology of the soil, such an incident can happen unexpectedly.” He assured the public that a temporary solution would be implemented swiftly to restore access to the Nkam Department, ensuring the area is not cut off from the rest of the Littoral Region.

A Disgraceful Setback for Cameroon’s Infrastructure

The collapse of the Bonepoupa-Yabassi road is a significant blow to Cameroon’s ongoing efforts to improve its infrastructure. It reflects the challenges the nation faces in ensuring the durability and reliability of its projects amid widespread corruption. The road, which was scheduled for formal inauguration in the coming days, now represents a major setback for the government, BUNS, and the Ministry of Public Works, whose reputation has been further tarnished.

As the dust settles, Cameroonians are left to question not only the future of the Bonepoupa-Yabassi road but also the broader implications for public infrastructure projects across the country. With billions of FCFA at stake, the need for transparency, accountability, and improved oversight has never been clearer. The hope remains that this incident will trigger a much-needed shift towards cleaner governance and more durable infrastructure in Cameroon.