A Field Mission of the Governor of the Estuary on Compensation for Affected Populations

As part of the follow-up to the Ntoum-Cocobeach project, the Governor of the Estuary Province, Marie Françoise Dikoumba, led on Tuesday, 23 September 2025, a decisive field mission on the section of the construction project of the strategic road linking these two localities. This visit is part of the verification phase of the affected areas, with a view to ensuring fair compensation for the populations affected by this large-scale project.

Accompanied by an expanded delegation comprising representatives of the National Agency for Urbanism, Topographical Work and the Cadastre (ANUTTC), Public Works, Agriculture and an emissary of the Presidency of the Republic, the Governor inspected the project's rights of way with EBOMAF officials including the Director General, the Technical Director and the Communications Officer. This field visit takes place after several months of preparatory meetings, which gave priority to raising public awareness and identifying people affected by the project.

The present inspection therefore takes the place of rigorous monitoring to ensure that deadlines are met. The main objective is to ensure the effective release of rights-of-way. This is an essential condition for the continuity of work within the time frame. From the start in Ntoum, at PK 00, the delegation found that the first measures of release had been respected. The visit continued through several strategic points, such as Carrefour Cocobeach, Cimenterie, Kan, and the various checkpoints up to PK 74, just 7 km from Cocobeach.

Through direct exchanges with riparian populations, Marie Françoise Dikoumba was able to identify obstacles and reassure the populations. It has also seen the latest constructions or installations that hinder the route. The progress made by EBOMAF met the expectations of the high-level delegation. The Governor stressed the importance of ensuring adequate support for the populations affected by the project. She said the government's ambition is to achieve balanced development, with fair and transparent compensation for the people concerned.

The next step will be to provide compensation for those identified. This will involve providing financial support to identified and impacted individuals, based on assessments carried out by experts in previous stages. This process will mark a turning point in project implementation, ensuring fairness and transparency. The Ntoum-Cocobeach road development and construction project is essential for the region and the country.

With a length of 83 kilometres, this section represents a strategic infrastructure for the process of land clearing. By improving mobility between Ntoum and Cocobeach, it will facilitate trade, improve access to essential social services and promote territorial integration. At the instructions of the Head of State, the Governor of the Province of Estuary reaffirmed her commitment to follow the development of the project personally and to ensure effective coordination among all stakeholders to ensure the success of this structuring project.

JKDM/JESP