Douala is set to inaugurate a state-of-the-art paving stone production plant aimed at improving road maintenance and reducing infrastructure costs for the city. The facility, located in the Ndobo area of Douala IV, is scheduled for commissioning on 15 April.
City authorities say the plant will enhance Douala’s ability to manage and maintain its road network independently, while accelerating the pace of infrastructure projects in Cameroon’s economic capital. Mayor Roger Victor Mbassa Ndinè visited the production site on 3 March, accompanied by Littoral Governor Samuel Dieudonné Ivaha Diboua, traditional authorities, and other guests.
Spanning 1.5 hectares, the industrial complex represents an investment of approximately CFA350 million. Once fully operational, it will have the capacity to produce up to 4,000 paving stones per hour. The plant integrates several operational units, including a concrete mixing section, a carpentry workshop, a technical services division, and a unit dedicated to rehabilitating public lighting systems.
According to municipal officials, the facility will provide essential paving materials for road construction and maintenance projects, enabling the city to respond more swiftly to damaged road sections and support the development of new infrastructure. By producing materials locally, Douala expects to reduce dependence on external suppliers, cut procurement costs, and shorten intervention times on deteriorated roads.
Mayor Mbassa Ndinè emphasized that the project is a step toward greater operational autonomy for the municipality in managing its road infrastructure. “We are building the roads of tomorrow while equipping ourselves with the tools needed to produce essential construction materials locally,” he said. He added that having an in-house paving production facility will not only reduce costs for large-scale projects but also accelerate repair works across the city.
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The commissioning of the Ndobo plant forms part of broader efforts to modernize Douala’s urban infrastructure. Local production of paving stones is expected to minimize delays often associated with sourcing construction materials externally, ensuring that repair and expansion projects can proceed without unnecessary interruptions.
City officials also highlighted that the facility will improve flexibility in maintaining and expanding the road network to meet the demands of Douala’s growing population. By increasing production capacity and providing a reliable supply of paving materials, the municipality aims to reduce the time residents spend dealing with roadworks while supporting the city’s economic activity.
The project is seen as a critical component of Douala’s broader urban development strategy. Authorities anticipate that the plant will contribute to faster rehabilitation of damaged roads, better overall maintenance, and more efficient implementation of new infrastructure initiatives. Beyond its immediate operational benefits, the facility is also expected to stimulate local employment and technical skills development, with workers involved in various production, maintenance, and technical support roles.
In conclusion, the Ndobo paving plant represents a significant milestone in Douala’s infrastructure development journey. By producing paving stones locally and enhancing the municipality’s capacity for road maintenance, the city is positioning itself to deliver more timely and cost-effective solutions for its residents. As Douala continues to expand as Cameroon’s commercial hub, the plant is expected to play a key role in ensuring that the city’s roads keep pace with its growth and economic ambitions.
