2.3 Cameroon Road Network - Logistics Cluster

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2.3 Cameroon Road Network

OverviewRoad SecurityAxle Load LimitsBridgesRoad Class and Surface ConditionsDistance MatrixTransport corridors

CARChadRoad from Douala to NgaoundéréRoad from Ngaoundéré to KousseriRoad from Ngaoundéré to Touboro

Overview

According to official statistics, there are about 50,000 km of roads in Cameroon, of which 5,000 km are paved. The road network, both paved and unpaved, is poorly maintained.

Road Distance (km)

Cameroon Road Network

Paved 5,133

Unpaved 12,799

Tracks 59,657

Total 77,589

Classification Administering Agency Network Length

National Roads Road Fund Cameroon 7041 km

Provincial Roads Road Fund Cameroon 5616 km

Departmental Roads Road Fund Cameroon 8075 km

Rural Roads (classified) Road Fund Cameroon 12843 km

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Rural Roads (non-classified) Road Fund Cameroon 16100 km

The country’s road density is estimated at 7 km for each 1,000 km . During the wet season, only paved roads remain passable. Traffic on unpaved roads 2

may be restricted by rain barriers. Trucks can therefore be stopped for many hours. On many bridges the traffic of trucks is not allowed. Trucks must use deviations through rivers, but during the rainy season when the waters are high, passing through rivers bank may be impossible.

The Road Fund of Cameroon was created in 1996 in order to implement the government policy on the road sector. Government efforts to improve the state/condition of Cameroonian roads are focused on a network of 27,000 km and the process is being undertaken.

At N’Gaoundere, on the N1 to Garoua, the tarring process is ongoing. On the same road but from Maroua to Kousseri, repairs started in March 2018 are ongoing.

Further road works on the new highway from Kribi to Yaoundé and from Yaoundé airport to the capital were planned but are currently stopped.

The Banque Africaine de Développement (BAD) has provided a loan of 18 million euro in November 2018 for the rehabilitation of a portion of 365 km in North-West, covering five of the seven districts. This portion is part of a 255 million euro project designated to redo the Yaounde-Bafoussam-Bamenda axis. The project is scheduled to run until 2024.

For more information on government contact details, please see the following link: 4.1 Cameroon Government Contact List

Road Security

Cases of carjacking and highway banditry are reportedly frequent, especially on the unpaved road stretches. Military escorts may be required on secondary roads in the northern part of the country.

Axle Load Limits

Vehicles’ payload in Cameroon must not exceed:

Axle load limits:Simple axle : 13 mtDouble axle : 21 mtTriple axle : 27 mt

Maximum Authorized Load (PTAC): 28 mt maximum axle load authorized.Size: width 2.5 m / height 4 m

With the introduction of authorized load legislation and weigh bridges, the maximum tonnage a truck can load is limited to 28 mt. The weight limitation has had an impact on the availability of trucks.

Axle load limits CAMEROON Transit CAR Transit CHAD

https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/DLCA/4.1+Cameroon+Government+Contact+List

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Truck with 2 axles 21MT 21MT 21MT

Truck with 3 axles 27MT 27MT 27MT

Bridges

On the paved roads, all bridges are built in concrete material. However, traffic on some of these bridges could be restricted for heavy trucks, especially when there is a risk of collapse.

On unpaved roads, there are some wooden bridges, especially on the ‘West’ road from Douala to Ngaoundéré via Bafoussam. It is advisable to know the state of these bridges before sending trucks from Douala to Ngaoundéré using the ‘West’ road.

Road Class and Surface Conditions

Classification Road Description

Class: National Roads Link the national capital Yaoundé to all 10 provincial capitals. It links also Cameroon to neighbouring countries.

Class: Provincial Roads Link, inside the provinces, all division/departmental capitals to the provincial capital.

Class: Departmental Roads Link, inside the division/department, all sub-divisions to the departmental capital.

Class: Rural Roads (classified) Link main agricultural production areas to main markets in the concerned regions.

Class: Rural Roads (non-classified) Managed by development companies or decentralized local collectivises.

Provinces SuperficieKm'

population Routesbitunies

Routes enterreclassiesprioritaires

Routes enterre nonprioritaires

Routesruralesprioritaires

Routesrurales nonprioritaires

Totalroutes

Adamaoua 64 000 700 000 441 1350 651 605 1208 4255

Centre 69 000 2 400 000 921 1555 1532 3725 3303 11036

Est 110 000 750 000 346 1590 1455 868 715 4974

Extreme- Nord 34 000 2 650 000 589 1011 1088 1195 1501 5384

Nord 66 000 1 200 000 645 1044 1084 867 1147 4787

Littoral 20 000 2 150 000 478 773 302 708 718 2979

Nord-Quest

16 000 1 800 000 205 841 67 1231 2160 4504

Sud-Ouest 25 000 1 200 000 260 942 173 740 876 2991

Ouest 13 000 1 950 000 459 983 355 1473 1121 4391

Sud 47 000 520 000 574 1512 735 698 982 4501

TOTAL 466 000 15 292 000 4918 11601 7442 12110 13731 49802

Distance Matrix

The distance matrix for the Cameroon Road Network can be found here: Annex 8 - Travel Distances Matrix (English)

Attachment - Travel Distances from Major Towns to Neighbouring Countries

Attachment - National Roads

Attachment - Provincial Roads

Source: Catalogue Road 2011 published by the Centre de Traitement de l’Information Numérique

https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/12949215/Annexe%205.8%20Travel%20Distances%20Matrix.xlsx?version=1&modificationDate=1562320639000&api=v2

https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/12949215/Annexe%205.8%20Travel%20Distances%20Matrix.xlsx?version=1&modificationDate=1562320639000&api=v2

https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/11436173/Travel%20Distances%20from%20Major%20Towns%20to%20Neighbouring%20Countries.docx?version=1&modificationDate=1562801548000&api=v2

https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/11436173/National%20Roads.docx?version=1&modificationDate=1562801557000&api=v2

https://dlca.logcluster.org/download/attachments/11436173/Provincial%20Roads.docx?version=1&modificationDate=1562801566000&api=v2

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Transport corridors

The Douala corridor, used by WFP, other UN agencies and most NGOs, provides the main route for aid commodities ex-Cameroon to CAR and Chad.

CAR

According to the conventions between Cameroon and CAR of December 22 1999, legal roads to/from CAR are:nd

In Cameroon

Roads:

Douala – Yaoundé – Naga/Eboko – Bertoua – Garoua BoulaiDouala – Yaoundé – Abong/Mbang – Bertoua – Batouri KentzouDouala – Yaoundé – Bertoua – Batouri Yakadouma Ngoka Border

Combined roads (rail – road):

Douala – Belabo – Bertoua – Garoua BoulaiDouala – Belabo – Bertoua – Batouri – KentzouDouala – Nagoundere – Meiganga – Garoua Boulai

In CAR

Roads:

Bangui – Bouar – Baboua – BelokoBangui – Camot – Berberati – GamboulaBangui – Bossangoa – Pende – N’Dim – Bouar – BelokoNola – Tomori Border

Corridor Douala - CAR

- Check-Point 1 in Yassa (Douala exit)- Check-Point 2 in Bertoua- Check-Point 3 Border office in Garoua Boulai at the border (PK0) with CAR (Beloko Road (PK2) Bouar-Bangui).- Check-Point 3’ Border office in Bombé (5km of the border (PK0) with CAR (Gamboula Road (PK30 –Berberati-Bangui).

Chad

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1. 2.

According to the conventions between Cameroon and Chad of April 13th, 1999, legal roads to/from Chad are:

In Cameroon

Roads:

Douala – Yaoundé – Nanga-Eboko – Bertoua – Garoua-Boulai - Meiganga – Ngaoundere – Garoua – Maroua – Kousseri – BorderDouala – Yaoundé – Abong/Mbang – Bertoua – Garoua-Boulai – Ngaoundere – Garoua – Figuil – BorderDouala – Yaoundé – Abong/Mbang – Bertoua – Garoua-Boulai – Ngaoundere – TouboroDouala – Yaoundé – Abong/Mbang – Bertoua – Garoua-Boulai – Ngaoundal – Border

Combined roads (rail-road):

Douala – Ngaoundere (rail)Ngaoundere – Garoua – Figuil – BorderNgaoundere – Garoua – Maroua – Kousseri – BorderNgaoundere – Touboro – BorderDouala – Ngaoundere (rail)Ngaoundal – Meiganga – Border

In Chad

Roads:

Ngueli – NdjamenaLere – Moundou – SarhLarmanaye – Moundou – SarhGadjibian – Doba – Moundou

Corridor Ngaoundéré - Chad

- Check-Point 1 in Dang (Ngaoundere exit) - Check-Point 2 inKollé (Figuil north) - Check-Point 2’ Border office in Delelé (border with Chad) - Check-Point 3 Border Office in Kousseri (border with Chad and Ndjamena).

Please see the annexes page at the following link for further information about the overland transport corridors, including information on weight bridges and checkpoints (annex 9) and information on penalties for infractions of timelines and rules for transit cargo (annex 10): 5 Cameroon Annexes

Road from Douala to Ngaoundéré

Ngaoundéré is the final station of the main railways line from Douala Port. Presently, there are two main road corridors from Douala to Ngaoundéré:

The main road via Garoua-Boulaï at the border with CAR, which is the legal/customs road.The road via Bafoussam, also called the ‘west’ road, which should not be used for goods in transit to neighbouring countries, unless prior authorization is obtained from customs.

1) The road from Douala Port to Ngaoundéré via Garoua-Boulaï

Location Details Origin Destination

Town or city (closest) Douala Ngaoundéré

Total Route (distance in km) 1,114

Road characteristics (over full distance)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

Total route time 4x4 (Days) 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 3 2 2 2

Passable by

(over full distance)

Car Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

4X4 Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Truck (rigid) Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Trailer Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

Total route time for truck and trailers (Days) 3 3 3 3 3 4 5 5 5 3 3 3

Note: It should be mentioned that the road is passable at all seasons, although some stretches may be extremely difficult for trucks, especially during the wet season from June to September.

Stretch 1: From Douala Port to Yaoundé

Distance from origin at start of stretch - km 0

Distance from origin at end of stretch - km 267

Route time on this stretch (4X4) – Hours 3

https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/DLCA/5+Cameroon+Annexes

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Town or city (closest) Douala

Class of road Highway

Surface Asphalt

Passable by Car, 4X4, Truck and Trailer

The road from Douala Port to Yaoundé is the busiest highway in Cameroon, with many trucks, especially timber trucks.

The road is narrow and accidents are frequent.

The entrance of Douala and Yaoundé is often congested.

Stretch 2: From Yaoundé to Ayos



Route time on this stretch (4X4) – Hours 1.5

Town or city (closest) Yaoundé


Surface Asphalt


Stretch 3: From Ayos to Bertoua




Town or city (closest) Ayos


Surface Dirt

Possible weather conditions Mud


Nature of change to next stretch Improving - newly built road

Stretch 4: From Bertoua to Garoua-Boulaï




Town or city (closest) Bertoua


Surface Asphalt


Nature of change to next stretch Getting worse

Note: Garoua-Boulaï is the border town with the Central African Republic.

Stretch 5: From Garoua-Boulaï to Ngaoundéré


Distance from origin at end of stretch - km 1,114

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Town or city (closest) Garoua-Boulaï


Surface Dirt

Possible weather conditions Mud


Note: This stretch of the road was paved recently. It is now good in all seasons.

2) The road from Douala Port to Ngaoundéré via Bafoussam (the ‘West’ road)

Organizations sometimes request the authorization of the Customs to use the ‘West’ road up from Douala port to Ngaoundéré. This normally happens during the months of February to May, in view of the upcoming wet season when many roads are closed in that country.

It should be mentioned that Chad-bound cargo from Douala Port should normally be loaded on wagons unless previous authorization.

Stretch 1: From Douala Port to Bafoussam




Town or city (closest) Douala


Surface Asphalt


Nature of change to next stretch Getting Worse

Stretch 2: From Bafoussam to Tibati




Town or city (closest) Bafoussam

Class of road Secondary

Surface Dirt

Possible weather conditions Mud, Flooding



Note: During the wet season, some parts of this road may be very difficult and even impassable for trucks. There are many rain barriers.

Stretch 3: From Tibati to Ngaoundéré

Distance from origin at start of stretch - km

636

Distance from origin at end of stretch - km

917

Route time on this stretch (4X4) – Hours

7

Town or city (closest) Tibati

Class of road

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Surface Dirt

Possible weather conditions Mud, Flooding


Nature of change to next stretch Restriction - many rain barriers during the rainy season. Heavy trucks should therefore wait until the road becomes sufficiently dried.

Road Security

Security Rated as Good

It should be mentioned that cases of carjacking and highway banditry are frequent in Cameroon, especially on the unpaved road stretches.

Road from Ngaoundéré to Kousseri

Ngaoundéré is the end station of the railroad from Douala Port. The government has established a dry port in this town, as cargo loaded on wagons is transhipped there onto trucks directly to final destinations in northern Cameroon and Chad.

Due to security constraints in the region, the Touboro crossing point is now regularly used instead of Kousseri. Nevertheless this corridor is still active when it comes to carrying local bought products into Chad.

Logistical infrastructures in Ngaoundéré include many warehouses and a container terminal managed by Bollore. More details can be found in page 2.4 .Cameroon Railway Assessment

Location Details

Origin Destination

Town or city (closest) Ngaoundéré Kousseri

Total Route (distance in km) 750




Passable by






Total route time for truck and trailers (Days) 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5 1.5

Stretch 1: From Ngaoundéré to Garoua




Town or city (closest) Ngaoundéré


Surface Asphalt


Nature of change to next stretch Getting Worse. The road is deteriorating. Rehabilitation works are planned by the government.

Stretch 2: From Garoua to Maroua




Town or city (closest) Garoua


https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/DLCA/2.4+Cameroon+Railway+Assessment

https://dlca.logcluster.org/display/DLCA/2.4+Cameroon+Railway+Assessment

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Surface Asphalt


Nature of change to next stretch Improving

The road is newly rehabilitated from the beginning to the end. All bridges are concrete

Stretch 3: From Maroua to Kousseri




Town or city (closest) Maroua


Surface Asphalt



Note: Maintenance work are under process on road N1 from Maroua to Kousseri. If the portion Maroua-Mora should be completed within the next few weeks, the remaining part between Mora and Kousseri seems in stand-by. It currently affect time travel to N’Djamena.

Road from Ngaoundéré to Touboro

As noted above this route is now used partially instead of the Kousseri border route.

Location Details

Origin Destination

Town or city (closest) Ngaoundéré Touboro / Bogdibo

Total Route (distance in km) 280




Passable by






Total route time for truck and trailers (Days) 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Stretch 1: From Ngaoundéré to Garoua




Town or city (closest) Ngaoundéré


Surface Asphalt


Nature of change to next stretch Getting Worse. The road is deteriorating. Rehabilitation works are planned by the government.

Road Security

Security The security level in this stretch is 2.

Traffic of trucks is high on this road.

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Documents

2.3 Cameroon Road Network - Logistics Cluster