Immersed at the Mbeka’a toll gate, gateway to Port of Kribi’s future
In the first light of dawn, the soft morning light envelops the KRIBI-LOLABE highway, gradually illuminating the Mbeka’a toll gate, a symbol of a government ambition aligned with the presidential vision for the Port of Kribi. The morning mist slowly dissipates, revealing the majesty of this still-new structure, built with the support of a Chinese consortium, which is part of a dynamic of modernizing national road infrastructure.
The highway, although not yet heavily trafficked, already bears witness to the ongoing transformation. This strategic section does not simply connect points on a map: it connects visions, those of a Cameroon resolutely turned towards the future, with the Port of Kribi at the forefront of economic expansion. The Mbeka’a toll booth, with its modern architecture and harmonious integration into the landscape, embodies this promise of sustainable regional development.
Installed under a makeshift shelter nearby, sipping a bittersweet palm nectar gathered in the early hours of the day, I observe the scene. The coming and going of vehicles, although modest for now, marks the milestones of a road destined to become a vital corridor. The few private cars and the trucks that pass by here are the precursors of a logistical flow that will continue to grow, in step with the rise of the Port of Kribi, a true economic jewel of the region. The drivers, some regulars, others newcomers, pass through the toll booth with a quiet regularity, contributing to the operational efficiency of an infrastructure designed to meet the demands of today and the challenges of tomorrow.
In the afternoon, under a gentle sun, the Mbeka’a toll booth shines like a beacon of modernity. Families on excursions to the beaches of Kribi detour and stop there, captivated by the aesthetics and the promise of a road that, far from being just a passage, is a bridge to the future. Conversations revolve around the potential of this highway, the opportunities it opens up, not only for trade but also for the industrialization of the region. It is a work in service of development, a tool to transform the economic landscape of Cameroon.
At the end of the day, when the sky is adorned with oranges and purples, the Mbeka’a toll booth stands proudly, illuminated by spotlights, like a silent witness to the efforts made by the Government. This infrastructure, the result of international collaboration, is a milestone in the realization of the presidential vision: that of a connected, dynamic, and competitive Cameroon on the global stage.
Despite the current low traffic, the strategic importance of the KRIBI-LOLABÉ highway is undeniable. This road is more than just infrastructure; it is the symbol of a Cameroon in full expansion, where every kilometer traveled brings the country a little closer to its aspirations of greatness. And as the night gently envelops the highway, the echo of the departing engines carries with it the assurance of a future where the Port of Kribi, supported by this infrastructure, will become an essential pillar of national and international development.
But how far can this go? Citizens keep dying in car accidents because of bad roads. It is hoped that money collected from these toll gates would be used to rehabilitate roads used by Cameroonians.
The toll gate in Mbeka’a is also one that is expected not only to shine physically, but have an impact in the lives of road users.
