PM’s instructions on use of local materials ignored

Contracting authorities and delegated contracting authorities in Cameroon have, for over seven years, largely ignored Prime Ministerial instructions urging them to use local materials in the construction of public buildings.

The instructions are contained in circular No 002/CAB/PM of March 12, 2007 signed by the then Prime Minister, Ephraim Inoni.

Captioned as circularly relating to the use of local materials in the construction of public buildings, it was addressed to contracting authorities, notably; the Vice Prime Minister, Ministers of State, Ministers, Governors of Regions and Senior Divisional Officers.

Others include general managers of public establishments, para-public and private sector enterprises.

The PM had written to the contracting authorities stating that: “My attention has been drawn to the fact that, several years after the Government put in place measures expressing its will to promote the use of local materials, the results have remained below expectations, despite the fact that raw materials abound, skilled labour exists, and several actors are present in the sector.”

Inoni had regretted “the low usage of these materials has as consequences, among others, chronic deficiency in the balance of trade as concerns construction materials, with its corollary that is to maintain the dependence of our country on the exterior.

“To remedy this situation and in accordance with orientations and engagements of the Head of State, aiming at promoting greater use of local resources, I urge you as contracting authorities and delegated contracting authorities, to see to it that public buildings up to one storey must, henceforth, be built with local materials."

“These materials must be available and produced locally. Relevant tender documents, to be prepared under your care in relationship with competent services of the Ministry of Public Works, must indicate, among others, technical specifications of local materials to be used in these constructions."

“I attach great value to the strict application of the present circular and invite you personally to see to the prompt implementation of these dispositions,” Inoni had spelt out.

But several years down the road, the contracting authorities have apparently refused to heed to the instructions.

When the issue was raised by journalists in an interview with the Director of the Local Materials Promotion Authority, MIPROMALO, Prof. Uphie Chinje Melo, on June 26 in Yaounde during the 28th Board meeting of the institution, she said they have been reminding hierarchy of the circular through the official channel.

She said if the PM’s circular is effectively implemented, it will not only reduce the cost of construction of public buildings in particular and lodging facilities in general, but will create more jobs for the local population.

Prof. Uphie Chinje also added that, the local materials promotion sector will witness a boom if its fabrication and use are purposefully taught in technical schools across the country.

She talked of a recent presentation of the institution at the National Assembly to MPs noting that more technicians must be trained on the fabrication and use of local materials in construction.

Uphie said there is also a need to decentralise the institution to the various regions.

The Post, however, gathered that some administrations, such as Secondary and Basic Education, Public Works and some municipal councils have used local materials in the construction of public buildings, albeit timidly.

Speaking at the start of the meeting, the Board Chair, Dr. Maurice Doubé, called on members to initiate discussions with their hierarchies on ways of promoting MIPROMALO.

He congratulated newly appointed members into the Board from the PM’s Office and the Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, urging them also to take the problems of the institution to their administrations.

Apart from examining and adopting the administrative and financial accounts of MIPROMALO for 2013, the social situation of the institution, as well as the preparation of the 2015 budget, was also discussed.