PROJECT BRIEF

1. Project title: Construction of the Obala-Batchenga-Bouam road (280 km) 2. Location: The project is situated in the Centre and East regions. The itinerary links Obala (Centre) to Bouam (East) ; while ensuring the economic integration of the Northen regions, and the opening-up of Cameroon neighbouring markets, especially Chad and the Central African Republic via North Cameroon. This road crosses agro-industrial, forest and fishing zones in Cameroon. 3. Sector: Transport 4. State of preparation: Project aim: Executing works on the Obala-Mbgaba road section (lots 1, 2 and 3) for which the Cameroon Government has already conducted technical studies financed from own funds, then conducting studies and executing the Mbgaba-Bouam road section (lot 4) works. 5. Project background: The Obala-Batchenga-Bouam road (about 280 km) is a section of national road No1, current transit itinerary between Cameroon and neighbouring countries like Chad and the Central African Republic. The project is in four (4) lots as follows: Lot 1: Obala Batchenga Nkolessong (80 km); currently under construction Lot 2: Nkolessong-Nding (88 km); currently an earth road section with engineering structures to be constructed. An invitation to tender has already been issued for the execution of pavement works of this stretch of road. Lot 3: Nding Mbgaba (39,43 km); currently an earth road section with engineering structures to be constructed and for which updating studies are underway. Lot 4: Mbgaba Bouam (72 km) currently an earth road section with engineering structures to be constructed and for which updating studies are underway. Annual maintenance on this itinerary is below the required level, owing to insufficient budgetary resources. It should be noted that heavy traffic has increased on this road following the collapse, in December 2006, of the bridge over river Nyong at Abong Mbang. 6. Project justification: Once completed, this road would help to: a. At the economic level Ensure communication between the South and the East on the one hand, and between Cameroon and the Republic of Chad and the CAR on the other hand; Facilitate the transportation of goods in this region of high agricultural potentials.

b. At the social level Open-up this area with a high population density; Ease the intermingling of the populations. c. At the political level Consolidate national unity through the establishment of permanent contacts with other regions of Cameroon; Better spread road investments over the national territory; Enhance transit traffic between Cameroon and the Central African Republic and between Cameroon and Chad, as well as the transportation system between the Northern and Southern regions. 7. Project objective: - Improve the level of service in this part of the priority network; - Link Yaounde to Bertoua by a paved road passable all-year round; - Improve the safety of road users. 8. Project description: The works shall be executed over a distance of 280 km and shall comprise: - Earthworks, - Construction of bridging structures over various rivers, - Drainage works, - Construction of a 7 m wide paved carriageway with 2x1.5 m shoulders, - Construction of tollgates and weighing stations. 9. Project merits: Once completed, the project would help to: Reduce vehicle operating costs; Reduce transportation costs; Reduce travel time; Ease all-seasonal traffic road; Reduce accidents. 10. Cost estimate: 140 billion CFA F exclusive of taxes (2010 basis), 280 million US DOLLARS Structure: 20GL+ 20GC + 5BB GL= Lateritic graded aggregate; GC= Crushed-rock graded aggregates; BB= Bituminous Concret Amount (billion CFA F) Lot No 1 42 real cost Lot No 2 Lot No 3 Lot No 4 (Studies + works + control) 35 estimates

Basic Solution

46 17 estimates estimates

11. Internal rate of return: Lot No 1 Basic Solution TRI 12. Duration: Basic Solution Timeframe in months 28.4 16.9 19.2 Lot No 2 Lot No 3 Lot No 4 (Studies + works + control) To be determined

Lot No 1 24

Lot No 2 24

Lot No 3 18

Lot No 4 (Studies + works + control) 24

13. Needs for technical assistance: Assistance to the Project Owner for the award of contracts and monitoring of execution works. 14. Problems and proposed actions: Secure relevant financing and issue the relevant invitations to tender. 15. Current situation of project: The construction works and the control of lot 1, financed by Cameroon from own funds, shall begin in 2008 at the same time the study phase of the other sections shall be completed. 16. Hypothesies/Risks: - Non-execution of works at short and medium term requiring the complete updating of available studies - Controllable environmental risks. 17. Environmental categorisation: This project is listed as category I. 18. Actions required for the execution of project: - Conduct studies of lot No 4: Mbgaba Bouam - Securing financing for lots 2 and 3 for which studies are completed and are being updated - Puting in place relevant resources to execute the construction works of lot 1: Obala-Nkolessong, underway - Issuing relevant invitations to tender - Exetuting the works including mechanisms for road protection, as well as mechanisms for the regular maintenance of structures. Contact information: Mr. Messengue Avom Minister of Public Works of Cameroon Ministry of Public Works Yaounde Mr. Dieudonne Zonou Inspector General Ministry of Public Works Yaounde Mr. George Awoumou Division Chief, International Affairs and Partnership Ministry of Public Works, Yaounde