Minister Perevet Visits Douala Vocational Training Centre Project

Work on the foundation, excavation of buildings and block production has begun.

Efforts to scale down underemployment among youth and improve living conditions are confirmed by infrastructural development across the country. One of such projects in Douala is the on-going construction of an Advanced Vocational Training Centre located at Bassa, Douala III for technical training of professionals. Upon graduation, the young people are ready for self-employment, job creation as well as employment by other employers.

Employment and Vocational Training Minister Zacharie Perevet and South Korean Ambassador Cho June Hyuck were at the project site on Saturday, July 27. The visit consisted of presenting the level of work and constraints to the guests. Already, the foundations of some of the nine buildings have been laid while the production of blocks, excavation of training buildings and the staking of all buildings have all started on a serious note. Following his appraisal, the Minister expressed gratitude to the executing company Samsung C&T Consortium Corporation and the local administration for their efforts.

On his part, the Korean diplomat said the nature of their contribution is technical and will help in Software high-quality training in the future.

Trades to be taught in the centre include welding and plumbing, mechanics, electricity and repairing of electronic devices, automotive, beauty/dress-making and design, wood work, multimedia and office automation. Government has no obligation to employ graduates.

The project costs FCFA 17 billion for a total of nine buildings to occupy a surface area of 8,535 square metres. It consists of a main building, training complex, cafeteria, dormitories, staff houses, playground facilities, a perimeter fence and a gate. Other facilities to include, roadways, storm water paved culverts, car parking, student square, and primary waste water treatment.

Challenges such as frequent water cuts and shortages as well as persistent bad weather in the Littoral Region were reported by technicians working on the site. However, Etoke Atabong, Construction Manager, said they have resorted to storing water in tanks to be used during such a crisis. Technicians wear raincoats to work under rains. Due to last 14 months, the contract started last February 14, 2013.