Ntui–Ndjole Road: 8.041% of Works Completed with Delays Noted in the Execution Schedule

Whilst works completion rate stands just at 8.041% including 13.04% for earthworks, the time frame has already been consumed at 53.33%. On the field, the asphalt plant is being installed; the installation of the equipment is ongoing, including the assembly of the plant, the assembly of the bitumen preparation system (bitumen boiler, emulsion plane), the installation of the hydrocarbon product distribution piping and the installation of the controlling cabin. Out of the 81 structures projected on this 60-km-long route, five of them are being constructed, out of which four have been completed and are pending adjacent backfilling.  In this regard, it should be noted that the construction of hydraulic works is still facing difficulties due to the low mobilisation of human resources and a shortfall in the supply of prefabricated pipe culverts components, which were produced in Obala and have been delivered since 14 November 2022. For their part, stripping works have recorded better progress in the field, though there are also delays as regards the relocation of graves found along the rights-of-way between KP 39+275 and 39+600.

In general, works progress rate on the field remains quite low. The delays noted are more acute as concerns the execution of hydraulic works and pavement layers (improved subgrade and sub-base), which require additional equipment. Regarding the financial situation of the project, the invoices submitted amount to 8,580,464,972 CFA francs, representing 28.88% of the entire cost, with 7,086,016,283 CFA francs as start-up advance; the invoice for works No.1 is 536,707,760 CFA francs, that of Works No. 2 stands at 249,069,982 CFA francs, and 398,991,046 CFA francs for invoice No.3. The invoice for works No. 4, which stands at 309,679,901 CFA francs, is pending signature. An invoice for penalties, amounting to 70,860,163 CFA francs including taxes, was also issued.

The resumption of development works for the Ntui - Ndjole road (60 km) and 73 km of council roads was awarded to China Railway 20 Bureau Group Corporation for an amount exclusive of taxes of 29,710,760,098 CFA francs and 7,216,175,454 CFA francs respectively. The control and supervision of these works was assigned to CIRA S.A/ BEC LA ROUTIERE SARL joint venture.