* The highway which opens up the economic capital, Douala, to the Western production basin has been in a steady state of dilapidation
* Transport operators say an additional two hours has been added to their travel time
* Road users call for the construction of a dual carriageway on the highway
Commuters and transport operators travelling between Douala and Melong are expressing growing concern over the deterioratin condition of the highway, saying the poor state of the road is making journeys longer and more difficult.
The Douala-Melong stretch, which is an important link between Cameroon's economic capital and the Western production basin, has reportedly deteriorated steadily over time. Transport operators say they now spend about two additional hours on the journey because of the difficult road conditions.
For travellers, the situation has become a daily challenge, particularly for those transporting agricultural products and other goods between the West Region and Douala.
The road serves as an important corridor connecting the West and North West Regions to Douala and, further, to the Kribi port area. It therefore plays a major role in the movement of people, food and other goods from the country's agricultural production zones to major markets and ports.
The Western production basin supplies important agricultural products, including maize, beans, cassava and coffee. The deteriorating road condition has raised concerns among road users who depend on the highway to transport these products to Douala and other parts of the country.
Transport operators say the poor condition of the road is increasing travel time, fuel consumption and vehicle maintenance costs. They also fear that the situation could further affect the movement of agricultural produce, especially during periods of heavy rainfall.
"We used to make this journey within a reasonable time, but the situation has changed. We now spend almost two more hours because of the bad portions of the road," one transport operator said.
Commuters are calling on the government, particularly the Ministry of Public Works, to take concrete measures to rehabilitate the road and improve traffic flow along the corridor.
Some road users are also requesting that the government go beyond periodic repairs and consider constructing a dual carriageway along the busy route.
They argue that a wider and better-maintained road would improve the movement of people and goods, reduce travel time and strengthen the connection between the country's major economic and agricultural zones.
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