Gov't urged to ensure effective decentralisation

The Governments of African countries have been called upon to carry out effective decentralisation in order to attain effective development.

The call was made during the celebration of the 3rd African Day of Decentralisation and local Governance under the theme; “African Charter on Values and Principles of Decentralisation, Local Governance and Local Development; An Impetus for Sustainable Local Development.

During the celebration that took place at the Northwest Governor’s office, the Regional President of the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, UCCC, Bernard N. Tosam, said there has been no major advancement in the decentralisation process which effectively started in 2010. The UCCC President said the theme was well chosen because it brings into limelight the role to be played by the local government to ensure development.

The UCCC, through its President recommended that the Government should reduce the Value Added Tax paid by the councils. He also called on Government to implement the Tender’s Board and implement the payment of mayors amongst others.

These points were raised by UCCC members and sent to the Presidency of the Republic, he explained. He continued that Government should take over the catering of Council Secretaries General and look in to the issue of increased council taxes and at the same time increase the salaries of civil servants by five percent. He thanked the Governor of the Northwest for the efforts he has been making to ensure peace and stability in the Region.

The Secretary General at the Northwest Governor’s office, Absalom Monono Woloa, representing the Governor, said: “By celebrating this day, our country is, in effect, reaffirming its conformity to the decentralisation process.” He said the Government is conscious of the fact that much still has to be done to ensure effective decentralisation.

“The successful implementation of decentralisation will need input and support from various stakeholders,” he said while calling on councils to pay due taxes effectively and stating that the issues raised by the President of the UCCC have been noted and shall be channeled to the right quarters.

The Regional Coordinator of Community Driven Development Programme, PNDP, Bruno Daniel Nkanjo, in a presentation, said decentralisation is the transfer of competencies by the state to local authorities. Decentralisation constitutes the fundamental axis for the promotion of development, democracy and good governance at the local level. The transfer of competencies is exerted in a progressive manner by the State and the local authorities (Article 15 LO17).

Nkanjo continued that PNDP is out to ensure participatory community development in local communities and assist the councils through Communal Development Plans, CDPs to implement their development plans. He said they have launched a programme to start training mayors to ensure the proper functioning of realised projects.

“I therefore call on all the Mayors to ensure the functioning of all projects and make sure that local communities report their activities to the Mayors,” he emphasised.

The representative of the Regional Delegate of MINEPAT, Zacheus Akenji, presenting an evaluation of transferred projects to the mayors of the Northwest Region said; monitoring, follow-up and evaluation are necessary actions if desired results from investments must be obtained. He said Government desires to improve the living conditions of its citizens, reason for which there is public investment. If it puts in money to fulfill this desire, it is but normal to monitor, follow-up and evaluate the process, whoever is executing the investment process, he explained.

“Law no 2004/017 of July 2004 enacted decentralisation and in July2010, the process took off through out the national territory. It is ongoing, however slow it may be. It is slow but sure,” Akenji stated. He continued that for the year 2013 the Northwest Region had a total of 180 projects, for a total allotment of FCFA 1.751.287.000.

For the year 2014, the region has received a total allotment of FCFA 2.593.287.000, for 309 projects in the number of sectors involved in production, infrastructure, social, health and communication. The increase comes with the entry into the decentralisation procedure of certain sectors, Ministries of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, MINJEC, and Social Affairs.

So far, receiving reports on execution of projects transferred to mayors of the Northwest Region is still staggering. Payment for completed projects is unduly delayed by some mayors, but there is hope. As the funds for running Council follow-up technical sub-committees will soon be made available to them and with application of the decree of September 14, 2013, by the Prime Minister, Northwest mayors will assume their place at the forefront of execution of projects transferred to their competence, Akenji continued.

The Regional Delegate of Health, Dr. Victor Ndiforchu, dismissed claims that Ebola is found in pigs and said people should continue to eat pork. He said it is found in primates, which constitutes part of the human species like monkeys, apes and bats. He advised that people should avoid greeting and rather wave. Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water and be vigilant and report suspected cases whose symptoms include fever, vomiting and bleeding.