In 2021, Benin will inject €156 million into transport infrastructure. Several priority projects are in sight, including the cotonou northern bypass axis, the Djougou-Banikoara cotton road, Glo-Djigbé international airport and the Cotonou Maritime Affairs Centre.

106.6 billion FCFA (162 million EUR), this is the total amount defended last Thursday before Parliament by Minister Hervé Hèhomey (photo) under the draft budget, fiscal year 2021, of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport. Oriented towards the continuation of infrastructure and transport projects, it intends to devote 102.8 billion FCFA (156 million EUR) for investment and 3.8 billion FCFA for operation.

This investment budget, which is part of the Government's Action Programme (PAG), will support ongoing flagship projects and finance new infrastructure at the national level.

In detail, the minister announced the start, next year, of construction work on the northern bypass of Cotonou, whose technical studies have already been completed. The Minister also intends to accelerate the project of the Sèmè-Podji/Porto-Novo road – currently in the process of selecting companies, which will be accompanied by the construction of a bridge over the Porto-Novo lagoon – as well as the Djougou-Pèhounco-Kérou-Banikoara cotton road (210 km) eagerly awaited by the local populations.

In terms of airport infrastructure, he indicated that Cotonou International Airport will undergo a makeover. Similarly, in-depth studies will accelerate on the site of the future international airport of Glo-Djigbé.

In the continuation of the construction sites, work is also planned at the Port of Cotonou next year. "We will begin the construction of the north quays. We will, in terms of the master plan of the port, realize a nautical zone. There is also Terminal 5," said the ministerial authority. According to Hervé Hèhomey, these are projects carried out by the port, whose major achievements it is important to announce to the population. Finally, a maritime affairs centre will be built on the site housing the building of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport.

"I have noted a participatory approach by MPs to help the government achieve its objectives. The deputies have expressed their concerns to us and I think that this is how we will build this country," said Hervé Hèhomey.

Romuald Ngueyap

Read also: 26/09/2019 - The Beninese Parliament approves a loan of 17 billion FCFA from BOAD to renovate the Djougou-Banikoara cotton road