By Ikome Christie-Noella Eposi in Buea
The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) has expressed satisfaction with the execution of its funded projects under the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) in Cameroon’s conflict-affected North West and South West regions.
During an evaluation meeting in Buea on January 30, 2024, IsDB’s Field Representative, Mohamadou Awal commended the progress made, particularly in education, health, and economic revitalisation. The session, chaired by PPRD National Coordinator, Motuba Tamajong Obase, was attended by key stakeholders, including the Secretary General of the South West Governor’s Office, UNDP representatives, mayors, and regional delegates.
As part of its commitment to “building back better,” IsDB signed a €32.25 million (over FCFA 9.6 billion) funding agreement with the Cameroonian government on May 12, 2023. The projects, implemented by the UNDP have seen significant strides in one year:
In the domain of Education, 56 schools have been reconstructed and rehabilitated, including GHS Idenau and GBHS Ombe. In the Healthcare and Infrastructure sector, 24 health facilities, 21 water projects, two bridges, and five community centers have been completed. With regards to Economic growth, 475 farms have been restituted, 50 farmer cooperatives strengthened, 221 agro-pastoral exhibitions supported, 12 markets reconstructed, and 150 small businesses revived. As concerns Social Cohesion, 11 socio-cultural activities have been organised and seven youth and women centers operationalised.
Despite these achievements, some challenges persist. Mayors raised concerns over their exclusion from project follow-ups, leading to stalled work on certain sites. Complaints were also made about contractors abandoning projects. In response, Obase assured that future contracts would include clauses ensuring defiant contractors are replaced swiftly.
The Regional Delegate of Women’s Empowerment and the Family for the South West also highlighted the importance of securing women’s centers with fencing and ensuring their locations are strategically chosen for maximum impact.
With ongoing efforts to address these challenges, stakeholders remain optimistic that the PPRD, supplemented by regular government initiatives, will continue to transform the region and restore hope to communities.