Première Urgence just completed the rehabilitation of 32 km of roads, 10 bridges and 3 concrete culverts between N'Gaoundaye and Paoua, north of the country, with the financial support of the Common Humanitarian Fund.
800 beneficiaries have worked for 4 months to complete this project, located on an axis in both rebel and government areas. The project objectives were met and Gregory, the expatriate project manager, was able to measure the positive impact of the rebuilding on local beneficiaries.
The rehabilitation of this axis linking Cameroon to Central African Republic is important for the area economic development. The whole local economy was disturbed by the roads' deterioration and especially bridges. Only two trucks were travelling every week. Since the end of works, seven trucks travel this route every day. This axis is crucial for the economic development of the region, it takes 4 hours, against 8 hours before.
People living close to the road have noticed a real improvement in their life quality following the opening up of the area and the relations' restart with neighbouring villages. They feel more secured with an increased road traffic, fewer traffic accidents and the roads clearing. The 'Coupeurs de route" are usually hidden in the bush; The clearing of the bush makes the attacks more difficult.
Finally, with the improved access, the region receives more regular visits from health partners. Première Urgence, the only NGO currently working in N'Gaoundaye will also be able to increase its assistance in this area, now less isolated. Première Urgence will help women by promoting their employability, while continuing its agricultural program currently realised.
The sustainability of the project initiated by Première Urgence is now in the hands of the maintenance committees that Gregory trained before his departure. These local committees, equipped to meet this challenge, will face the next rainy season.