It is a sunny Sunday afternoon in Bamenda. At the Mile 4 Nkwen Bridge construction site, workers are busy, unfazed by the usual quiet of a public holiday. Heavy machinery roars as labourers in Edge Construction Company uniforms mix concrete, cut iron rods, and weld reinforcements. Despite Sunday traditionally being a day of rest in Cameroon, work continues at full pace, likely in an attempt to complete the project before the rainy season sets in.
The old bridge has been completely demolished, leaving behind only traces of the once-familiar structure. In its place, a massive concrete foundation, what appears to be the bridge’s base or bed has been laid, with thick iron rods intricately woven across it, forming the skeletal framework for the new structure.
To maintain traffic flow, two diversions have been created. One serves vehicles and other road users coming from the Mile 3 end, while the other is dedicated to those approaching from Mile 4. The deviations are well defined, allowing for a controlled movement of both pedestrians and motorists despite the ongoing construction.
The urgency of the project is evident. March marks the return of the rains in Bamenda, and the Mile 4 Bridge has long been notorious for flooding whenever the Nkie-Mufeh stream overflows. The new construction aims to provide a durable solution to the seasonal disruptions that have, for years, frustrated residents and businesses alike.
With signs of rapid progress, the community watches with anticipation, hopeful that the bridge will soon restore easy connectivity between Mile 3 and Mile 4, easing transport and boosting local trade.
Hilltopvoices team
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