-Water project, modern shops to improve livelihoods
–Water project, modern shops to improve livelihoods
By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi
The Minister of Decentralisation and Local Development, George Elanga Obam has commissioned a multimillion water project for the Tiko municipality as well as modern shops at the Buea main market. The inauguration exercise took place on Tuesday June 4 and Wednesday June 5 2024 in Tiko and Buea respectively.
The two projects which will improve the livelihood of the populations of Tiko/Mutengene and Buea respectively are an outcome of the fruitful cooperation between the government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Cameroon, through the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance ‘FEICOM”. Financed by the German government through its cooperation programme KFW, the projects were said to have been successfully executed.
Inauguration of the Tiko/Mutengene Water Project
In his address at the august event in Tiko Subdivision, the Minister of Decentralisation and Local Development, Georges Elanga Obam saluted the efforts of the Mayor of the Tiko council, Chief Peter Ikome Mesoso III and his collaborators for a job well done by aiding in the smooth flow of decentralisation in their sub-division. “The construction of the water facility in Tiko is just a case study that could and should inspire other councils. This project in Tiko stems from the determination of the council executive to alleviate the suffering of the council’s inhabitants and the willingness of a friendly country, the Federal Republic of Germany, committed to the values of peace and international solidarity at the service of local development.”
Citing some obstacles to the implementation of the project such as; a remote catchment source, rocky soil, proximity etc, Minister Elanga Obam added that the difficulties could not dampen the enthusiasm to see the project effectively implemented.
“The regions and particularly those with special status will also be relevant beneficiaries of future support from German cooperation. Our regions are now equipped to manage large-scale projects particularly those whose impacts go beyond a single council. The implementation of this project is not only a sign of the credibility that our international partners are giving to our decentralisation policy but above all, it is a decisive turning point in the exercise of powers devolved in these areas which more than ever face strong demands for water and suitable roads for our population” he said.
Minister Elanga Obam urged the Tiko council to secure the water facility by protecting it against acts of vandalism as well as ensure the upkeep and maintenance of the equipment whose failure could adversely affect the availability of the resource to the population.
After inaugurating the water facility, Minister Obam said, “This is just the beginning of the many wanders that decentralisation will bring to the people of this region. Tiko has started; you are going to see water flowing all over the region, roads repaired all over the region, schools, health centers etc. When decentralisation is well organised, it produces local development. I am satisfied because the people of Mutengene and Tiko are very happy with the availability of water at their disposal.”
According to the German Ambassador to Cameroon, Dr. Corinna Fricke, “Decentralisation is the pillar of our cooperation and it is not only theoretical but it is also practical and today we could give water to Tiko and the region in general. This will go a long way to improve the living conditions of the populations of this region because water is life.”
Inauguration of the Project for the construction of shops in Buea Central Market
The Mayor of Buea Council, Barr David Mafani Namange in his speech revealed that “The main purpose of this project is to provide our population with a modern market and by so doing improve on the livelihood of the population while helping the council to equally generate some financial resources.”
According to the Mayor, the construction of the project began in 2020 with an amount of FCFA 229 143 900 and FCFA 245 541 960 respectively. The SUN gathered that the first segment constituted of the side preparation and carrying out of external works while the second segment was for the construction of one block of 26 close-up shelves and two blocks of 76 open stores. Other related studies stood at FCFA 27 Million, 510 thousand giving a total cost of FCFA 605 Million”.
“This phase of the central market project is largely insufficient to cater for the needs of our population. That is why the Buea council has already given out contracts for the construction of 3 new blocks of close-up shops of 26 shops each and a modern toilet facility whose construction will commence in the days ahead. The total cost of the said contract is FCFA 200 Million of which FCFA 100 Million comes from the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development through its yearly support to councils in Cameroon while the balance has been made available by the locally generated funds of the Buea council”, Mayor Mafani stated.
Addressing the press, Barr David Mafani Namange said the new market is an iota of hope for the municipality. “My predecessor had the conception, I have gone into the realisation and we call on the population of Buea to join us as they have always done so that we complete this project. In the days ahead no one will be authorised or tolerated to sell around the streets especially around the Great Soppo market. We shall use this structure sooner than expected”, Mayor Mafani averred.
Talking to the press after commissioning the new Buea Central modern market, the Minister of Decentralisation said, “The studies to this project were very well conducted and the job was well done. Dispositions have been taken to make sure that the market is well maintained and useful.”
The Minister maintained that, “Buea is the stronghold of the history of local government in Cameroon. Better living environments and conditions for the population was the reason behind the implementation of the public policy of decentralisation.”
He encouraged the Buea municipal authorities to ensure a sound management of the commercial facility so it can help achieve the council’s objectives. This commercial facility is also intended to generate income to repay the debt owed to partners and also replenish the council’s coffers. The council authorities will ensure that the revenue from its use is collected, secured and used for the public good”, Minister Obam noted.