Friday’s plenary sitting was chaired by Senate President, Marcel Niat Njifenji.

Two draft bills authorising the Head of State to ratify agreements between Congo and the Kingdom of Spain on air transport were on Friday, July 4, 2014, adopted in a plenary sitting chaired by Senate President, Marcel Niat Njifenji.

The Minister of Transport, Robert Nkili, defended the bill, why the Minister of Labour and Social Security, Gregoire Owona, sat in for the Vice Prime Minister, Minister Delegate at the Presidency in charge of Relations with the Assemblies, Amadou Ali.

The first draft bill to be adopted was that authorising the President to ratify the agreement between Cameroon and Congo Brazzaville on air transport signed on December 20, 2012 in Yaounde. Minister Robert Nkili argued that the opening of Cameroon’s airspace would provide substantial economic fallouts. He noted that the two countries enjoy age-long cooperation ties that are conspicuous in the area of transport, with the construction of the Sangmelima-Ouesso road. More investors will be attracted to the country if the transport sector is “reliable and credible,” Nkili stressed.

The draft bill authorising the President to ratify the agreement between Cameroon and the Kingdom of Spain signed on November 21, 2012 in Yaounde still on air transport, came under review. Minister Nkili reminded the House on the relevance of the bill, emphasising the pledge by the Spanish government to raise investments in Cameroon.

Camair-Co’s Situation

Friday’s plenary sitting saw the situation of Camair-Co discussed once more. Senators came back to question with Robert Nkili on Camair-Co’s debts, manpower, irregular flight schedules, acquisition of MA60 aircraft, non-involvement of the private sector in its ownership, the apparent abandonment of the secondary airports in Tiko, Bafut, Bertoua, Mamfe, Bafoussam, and the sacking of the former General Manager.

Like at the National Assembly, the Transport Minister informed the Senators that government was working to relieve Camair-Co of its debts. He said government was sparing no effort to enhance the “credibility and profitability” of the company. Thus, the main objective of the new General Manager was “to reduce the level of indebtedness and facilitate the reorganisation of the airline by revamping it.” He explained that Camair-Co took-off in 2011 with only one aircraft, the ‘Dja’ and two other Boeings 737 were later rented within the framework of contracts that were unfortunately negotiated to Cameroon’s detriment.

That was how two MA60 planes were acquired to equip the airline. He however said that an investigation was on to ascertain the prices of the two MA60 planes. Robert Nkili explained that the company’s manpower was considered excessive and consequently, Camair-Co finds it difficult to generate profits.

He revealed that an airport renovation programme was underway and that after Banyo in Adamawa Region, others were to follow. He argued that some secondary airports had been trespassed by local people, causing wear and tear, but government was solving land issues related to some of the airports, he assured.