Cameroon’s airline corporation (CAMAIRCO) has been at the centre of controversies and criticisms over the years as it has been marred by mismanagement and in-house fighting hindering its smooth functioning.
The Minister of Transport,Jean Ernest Massena NGALLE BIBEHE, on Tuesday November 24, 2020 while defending a bill at the National Assembly said the Head of State, Paul Biya puts a lot of attention on this company. It is for this reason that a project was proposed by the president to link the South to the North. The state with the support of the head of State proceeded to renting of Boeing 737 and the buying of new aircrafts to follow. The Minister hinted that the head of state has already given the resources to obtain 2 aircrafts of 70 seats each approximately and finally, to restructure CAMAIRCO. This restructuring will be through management of debts and to engage in a new partnership (United Arab Emirates or national partners).
Defending bill No. 1080/PJL/AN to authorize the President to ratify the Agreement between Cameroon and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) relating to Air Services between their respective territories and beyond signed on March 10, 2020 in Dubai, the minister cited the advantages of this agreement to CAMAIRCO.
“All passengers that will arrive from the UAE, will be transported to other countries of the sub region by CAMAIRCO, reinforcing existing cooperation”
Answering questions from MPs on aviation security, transport boss emphasized the role played by the aeronautic officials at this level adding and promised the modernization and rehabilitation of other airports with priority given to international airports.
On maritime transport, creation of the Limbe Deep Seaport was put forward.
“I want to say that the text was published by the head of state, the board was proposed. In other places that will necessitate water transportation, we are trying to put in place boats with the buying of engines of about 75 house power to link Ekondo Titi, Mundemba in the South West region, same thing in the Sanaga Maritime Division”, Mr Bibehe said.
Concerning railway development, he said express trains are ready with the buying of 4 locomotives and rehabilitation of 11 vehicles.
A plan of putting in place a means for mass transport in the principal towns of the ten regions, Douala SOCATUR, one in Yaounde (STERCY) while the programme will continue in the 8 other regions.
The choice for Cameroon to sign this agreement according to the minister was due to the attractiveness of Cameroon and its geographical position in the sub region.
