It's going to change the face of Kribi and make it a great town. Then there are the sceptics, like those who say Cameroon has been an oil producer since 1978 and not much wealth has trickled down, so why should be it any different with Chad's. The presidents of Chad and Cameroon laid foundation stones at each end of the pipeline in mid-October. It is due to be completed in 2004 and oil will start flowing the year after. For Kribi, this will mean investment in oil services, new construction work, plus new social amenities for workers which will also benefit the local people - hospitals, schools, better roads, water and electricity supply.
Some benefits are already on the ground.
New hotels and hostels continue to be built and a better telephone system should be operational soon. Other sectors will benefit, though. Hoteliers, restaurateurs and bar owners are rubbing their hands in anticipation. Sex workers are already trooping into town from Douala and the capital, Yaounde. The World Bank delayed its funding for the project, which was vital to get all the private sector operators on board, until it was satisfied that the environmental impact could be limited and managed.