In his capacity as Construction Manager, Hon Cavaye Yeguie Djibril on 15 March 2023 visited and evaluated the execution of the project and expressed gratitude to President Paul Biya for the beautiful edifice.
It was in the company of Honourable Datouo Théodore, President of the follow-up Committee and other members of the august Chamber, that Hon. Cavaye took a guided tour of the site. At every stop, he was briefed on the level of advancement of work, which he acknowledged with questions and remarks. From the banquet section to the administrative area, Hon. Cavaye was visibly elated reason why he noted that the structure was a jewel in the sub-region. He thanked President Paul Biya for such a gift which he remarked cost some CFA 54 billion.
According to Hon. Datouo Théodore, Chairman of the monitoring committee, “in fifteen months, we will be able to meet in this hemicycle”. The affirmation is telling of the advancements in the construction works on the new National Assembly complex. “At this point, we can reassure you that the large canopy on the main façade is finished. The finishing work inside the hemicycle is well advanced. As you have seen, the plastering of the administrative block is well advanced, the installation of the technical equipment is already done and we are not talking much in terms of percentage but we can tell you that within fifteen months we will be able to meet in this hemicycle”.
To Toukam Nouka Evariste engineer at AMA Consulting, all the structural works have been completed. He added that they were now working on such aspects as air conditioning, plumbing, and fire safety systems to name but these. Remarking that since equipment used was imported from China, all what was needed was already available. “I can’t say we have any major difficulties. We are working according to Chinese standards and so what is taking time to get acquainted with some of the equipment. According to the planning received from the outset, construction works should be over on 27 May 2024 but we are taking a one month room to maneuver just in case”.
Hon. Datouo quipped that they were trying to ensure that the work is carried out properly, both in terms of quality and in terms of meeting deadlines.
The new seat of the National Assembly of Cameroon is showing notable signs of progress, with delivery expected in 15 months.
On March 15, 2023, the Speaker of the Lower House of Parliament, the Honorable Cavaye Yeguié Djibril, visited the site in the company of several deputies, to see the progress of the work.
According to the Honorable Theodore Datouo, chairman of the monitoring committee, the work on the facade is almost complete, and the interior installations of the hemicycle are also well advanced. The construction completion rate was already 60% in July 2022. Today, it is estimated that more than 63% of the work has been completed.
The speaker of the lower house of parliament thanked President Paul Biya for this “jewel” under construction, saying that “all Cameroonians should be proud” of this ambitious project. The new headquarters building is described as a gigantic building without equal in Africa.
Pending delivery of the site in 2024, the deputies continue to work at the Palais des Congrès. However, the absence of activity in the National Assembly since the opening of the session on March 3, 2023 worries some elected officials, such as Koupit Adamou of the Democratic Union of Cameroon (Udc). According to him, the campaign for the election of senators has caused a delay in parliamentary work, impacting the efficiency of this session.
Claudette CHIN
