Lifeline Severed In East Region: Timber Truck Crushes Djouila Bridge, Cuts Off Moloundou

A major transport emergency has struck the Boumba and Ngoko Division in Cameroon’s East Region after a heavy logging truck loaded with timber logs collapsed through the wooden deck of the Djouila Bridge.

30km From Moloundou

Located approximately 30 kilometers outside the town of Moloundou in Moloundou Subdivision, the crossing caved in directly beneath the vehicle's weight on Thursday August 27, 2026. Stuck in the middle of the wooden bridge, the truck completely blocks the road. Bringing all motor traffic between Yokadouma - the divisional headquarters, some 277km away – and Moloundou to a total standstill.

Already In Bad Shape

According to journalist Rigobert Alondja of Boumba FM radio in Yokadouma and viral video shared by community leaders, the Djouila Bridge was already in an advanced state of structural decay long before the incident. Lacking a permanent concrete replacement, the ageing crossing had been surviving on temporary, makeshift repairs.

The catastrophic failure occurred when a heavy transport truck belonging to the STAMATIADES/BOTAC logging consortium - operating out of Banana, 13km from Moloundou - attempted to cross the bridge. Crushing the timber deck beneath its load.

State Response

In response to the incident, the Divisional Delegate of Public Works for Boumba and Ngoko confirmed that the Head of the Moloundou Public Works Subdivision was immediately instructed by administrative hierarchy to conduct an on-site technical inspection. And prepare an emergency work estimate.

Repair Directives

To restore passage without waiting for national funds from the Ministry of Public Works (MINTP) in Yaounde local authorities - including the Divisional Officer, DO and Mayor of Moloundou - have directed the STAMATIADES/BOTAC logging company to immediately supply timber materials and repair the damaged bridge deck.

Strategic Importance

The severance of the Djouila Bridge is far more than a localized traffic headache. It represents an immediate economic, administrative, and humanitarian bottleneck for the entire extreme southeast corner of Cameroon.

The road running from Yokadouma through Tembé to Moloundou is the primary overland entry point serving Moloundou Subdivision. With the Djouila Bridge impassable, Moloundou - home to thousands of residents - is effectively cut off from mainland commercial networks.

Possible Disruptions

Essential supplies, including staple foods, fuel, pharmaceutical goods, and building materials, travel exclusively along this unpaved corridor. Prolonged blockades risk triggering price spikes and essential commodity shortages in Moloundou.

The dense rainforests of Boumba and Ngoko form the heart of Cameroon’s industrial forestry sector. Blockages on this arterial road prevent logging compa...