MINHDU orders speedy delivery of priority projects

Urban Development and Housing Minister, Jean Claude Mbwentchou has urged contractors executing major projects link to the 50th reunification anniversary celebrations in Buea this year to urgently complete work in the shortest time possible. This was during a recent inspection tour to the various project sites in Buea, venue of the reunification celebrations.

Minister Jean Claude MbwentchouWhile inspecting a 300m road linking the Police roundabout in Buea to the Governor’s Office where he met bulldozers in action leveling the area, Minister Jean Claude Mbwentchou told contractors at the site that the road is of capital importance to the upcoming event as it would be used by the Head of State to unveil the reunification monument also under construction below the Governor’s Office. The contractor, Michael Nkeng of Chariot Company promised to complete the work before the end of this month now that the minister has made it clear that government has already began paying their outstanding bills.

While visiting the other projects comprising 30 access roads and parking lots, the Minister in the company of South West Governor, Bernard Okalai Bilai who doubles as the Chairman of the Local Organising Committee of the event, took note of poorly constructed gutters and culverts and gave firm instructions to the two contracting firms Arab Contractors and Chariot Company for the problem of drainage noticed on almost all the access roads to be promptly resolved.

Some of the access roads visited were Mile 18 – Malingo Junction, End of Tar Afosi Bookshop – Bokwai – Muea, Bonduma Gate – Bokwai, Campaign Street – Wonya Mongo – Buea Town, Old Cinema Road Junction – Bona Lyonga – Wondongo – Buea Town – Catholic Church - ENAP – Main Road, Federal Quarter – West Farms – Government High School Bokwango, Government Primary School Small Soppo – Great Soppo, Regional Delegation of National Security – Governor’s Office – Synod Office – Court of Appeal – BICEC Junction – Court Junction – Residence SG Region, Kuve Junction – Hospital – Military Camp – Razel Junction – Main Road etc.

The Minister also took time off to visit some important parking lots and said lots directly related to the anniversary celebrations be given keen attention and thus be completed latest NOV. 30.

Speaking at a working session with local officials and control engineers, the Minister praised the contractors for all the sacrifices made in the past but stressed on the need for the quality to be safeguarded for a long term usage of the road. He disclosed that the government is spending FCFA 13.5 billion for the projects whose execution rate stands at 70%.

Though a significant portion of the projects so far has been realised, a majority of landmark projects for the celebration are yet to be completed such as the open-air Arts and Culture Amphi-theatre situated directly opposite the reunification grandstand in Bongo Square. Others like the Reunification Grandstand being executed by the Military Civil Engineering Corps (Genie Militaire) is near completion.

The construction of a Reunification Monument near the Governor’s Office carrying ten pillars each, representing the ten regions of the country is yet to be completed.

As at present, completed or nearly completed major projects of the reunification include the official Grandstand, street-lighting, rehabilitation of some intra-urban roads within Buea and suburbs, the scrapping of the ridge dividing the main boulevard to enable easy passage of the Presidential motorcade, the rehabilitation and extension of the Mountain and Parliamentarian Flat hotels and the refurbishing of the Prime Minister’s Lodge, amongst others.

Besides these, some road projects such as the new road from the Governor’s office to the Central Police roundabout, the Buea town-Bokwai-Muea stretches, and others, are yet to be completed – the Muea stretch is still to receive a new coat of tar.

Meantime as of November 11, the rate of execution of projects by Arab Contractors stood at 57.52% and 60% for Chariot Company.

Portable water supply is still not stable though the Water Utility Company has promised regular flow of water will be provided before the anniversary. Away from the construction part of the preparations, the civilian aspect of it seems to be on a good footing.

Recently, Youth Affairs and Civic Education Minister, Bidoung Mkpatt, has been to Buea on several occasions to do an on the spot evaluation of projects within the portfolio of his ministry – notably the civilian march past and reunification walk amongst others.

Speakers at the meeting revealed that close to ten thousand ( 10.000) civilians would take part in the march past classified under different categories such as schools, civil society organizations, political parties, amongst others. The groups according to the organizers will each march past on the grandstand carrying the country’s flag and an effigy of President Biya.