Where is the promised decentralisation? Mayors ask

Mayors in the South West Region have expressed worries over government’s feet dragging in proceeding with a promised decentralisation of the centre gov’t. They are concerned that transfer of competence and resources to local councils remain a “loud sounding” process without visible moves towards implementation.

The Mayors made their voices heard during a one-day capacity building workshop on decentralisation organised for mayors of the region by the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, Friday, March 13 in Kumba.

“Decentralisation in Cameroon is like a child’s play.” Mayor of Limbe II, Ducan Molindo said. He observed that implementation process is not only timid, but questioned whether most ministers in Cameroon even want to see it happen. Without mincing words, he accused ministers of consciously blocking decentralisation, which according to him, the Head of State, Paul Biya has made effective.

The Mayor of Limbe I, Rodanny Mbua maintained that decentralisation in Cameroon is still to become a reality. He disclosed that, despite all the seminars held to this effect, the powers that be don’t still want the complete transfer of powers to councils to be effective.

According to him, the obstacles to effective decentralisation include, the non-existence of tenders boards in many councils, the amount handed down to councils is too minimal, and above all, most of their collaborators like delegates and other development stakeholders feel threatened that mayors want to take their positions.

The Mayor of Tiko, Daniel Moukondo, while corroborating his colleagues, hinted that development plans initiated by councils ought to be the cornerstone of the decentralisation programs.

Barrister Musima Georges Lobe, Mayor of Konye, observed that since agriculture is a priority sector in Cameroon much attention should be given to the sector so far as decentralisation is concerned. He recommended that agricultural schools be created in all the divisions and agric technicians seconded to councils so that they assist councils in the implementation of the various projects transferred to the councils for execution by the ministry.

The Mayor of Mbonge, Chief Ekong William Sakwe, while joining his colleagues to denounce the slow pace at which the decentralization process is being implemented, disclosed that his council has been able to manage huge sums of money from the decentralisation fund transferred from the various ministries especially health, basic education, forestry and agriculture but maintained that much still needs to be done.

The Mayor of EkondoTiti, Mbongo Alfred Ngoe, complained that the process is too slow. Observing that his council has benefitted from the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, he suggested that future projects be considered following recommendations from the local councils and not from the ministry as has always been the case.

The Sub Director for Community Development in the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Guemuh Geofrey Nsofon, while accepting the complaints from the mayors, said that the Ministry of Agriculture has transferred most of her competences to the local councils and much is still in the pipeline.

He assured the mayors collaboration and promised to transmit their worries to his minister and to the National Decentralisation Board headed by the prime minister.