00:06In Gamerun's Far North region, construction is advancing along the Magadagwe-Degwe-Siyagoe
00:11corridor. The long-awaited highway is expected to improve mobility, linking production centers
00:17with markets in neighboring Chad. Groundworks have already been completed. The diversions
00:22have been built, along with the drainage structures. Reforestation work has also begun
00:27and is ongoing. To date, the trial section of the prime court has been successfully completed.
00:33Sanding, which protects the prime court, has also been carried out successfully. Reforestation
00:39work continues alongside progress on the site. The project includes earthworks, drainage systems,
00:46and preparation for final road surface. Until construction is complete, however, motorists
00:52continue to navigate damage sections that slow journeys and increase operating costs. We took
00:57over driving in Marua and we are headed to Dukula. If the road were in good condition,
01:02this trip would only take about three hours. But we left Marua yesterday at 6pm and only
01:09reached the outskirts of Kaele around 1 in the morning, simply because of the poor state
01:14of the road. If this road is rehabilitated, it won't just be drivers who benefit, but the
01:20whole population. Businesses are left feeling the impact. Traders say poor road conditions
01:26have discouraged customers and pushed up the cost of transporting goods.
01:31This road has deteriorated badly. People living in the villages and outlying neighborhoods
01:37can no longer come here to stock up. In town too, we are seeing fewer customers because the
01:44road has become almost impossible. There are huge potholes everywhere, which even make it
01:50hard for motorbikes to get through. We are in a really difficult situation.
01:55Local authorities believe the project will unlock new opportunities and strengthen links
01:59with Chad.
02:02Today, we are eagerly awaiting the full completion of this corridor. It will further ease traffic
02:07flow between Cameroon and Chad. It will also give people new opportunities to grow their
02:12businesses.
02:16Across the border in Chad, officials say improvements are already being felt following the opening
02:20of the Logone River Bridge. They expect the new road corridor to further reduce transport
02:25costs and expand commercial activity between the two countries.
02:30As for this corridor, I would say it's a real sign of relief. First of all, it will boost
02:35trade between Chad and Cameroon. Traders are benefiting too. Transport has become smoother, costs have
02:41come down and trade keeps growing.
02:44For communities on both sides of the border, the corridor represents more than a road project.
02:50Officials and businesses alike say it is an investment that could speed up trade, improve
02:54connectivity and strengthen economic ties between Cameroon and Chad.
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