(Business in Cameroon) - Companies operating in the Kribi port area have voiced their concerns regarding the toll rates imposed on the 38 km highway that connects to the city's deepwater port. They argue that these high toll charges are hindering the development of the port. Yesterday, they conveyed their concerns to a delegation of government experts, who are currently on a 2-day interministerial mission to find solutions for enhancing the competitiveness of the port platform.

As a reminder, toll rates for this freeway, built by China Harbour Engineering Company (CHEC), are set as follows: drivers of three-wheeled motorcycles pay CFA600, compared with CFA1,200 for drivers of pick-ups and passenger vehicles with less than 9 seats. Drivers of vans and transport buses with less than 20 seats pay CFA2,200, compared with CFA2,800 for drivers of medium trucks and transport buses with more than 20 seats. Drivers of large trucks with four or more axles pay up to CFA5,600. In comparison, on the country's main roads, the toll is set at CFA500.

In addition to the high cost of tolls on the Kribi-Lolabé highway, the companies also cited the deterioration of the Kribi-Edéa road as another major obstacle. "The poor condition of this road contributes to the lack of fluidity in container transport," they said.

Other obstacles to the development of the port of Kribi include delays in projects such as the construction of the Ebolowa-Kribi road, the Mbalam-Kribi railroad, and the Kribi-Edéa highway.