SDF councils sidelined from 2015 public investment budget?

Unlike many councils of the South West Region run by the ruling CPDM that have benefited great chunks of projects in the 2015 public investment budget, the case seems to be different with the three SDF councils in Kumba that have benefited very little or nothing from the 2015 distribution of national cake.

The situation has created a lot of suspicion and a spirit of mistrust amongst the three SDF Mayors in Kumba and the Member of Parliament for Kumba Urban constituency as both have continue to point accusing fingers at some quarters, who, they say, want to frustrate their actions. The Mayors after looking at the 2015 project logbook for the South West Region, could not believe their eyes when they realised that none of the numerous projects they submitted was approved by the quarters that be.

During the fourth quarter participatory follow-up committee of public investment projects that took place recently in Kumba, the Mayors could not hold their emotions as they demanded to know from the various stakeholders what must have happened with their projects.

The Mayor of Kumba III, John Kona Makia, wondered why such could happen when Mbonge and Konye councils in the same Division benefited from numerous projects. He questioned whether it is ploy to frustrate the efforts of the SDF, but at the same frowned at the action, saying that the public investment budget is a national cake and all Cameroonians must have their fair share.

The Mayor of Kumba II, Martin Forcha Ndobegang, regretted the act and stated that it was a similar situation in 2014, where the councils of Kumba were denied projects.

It is worth noting that for the three councils of Kumba the only projects they received was the normal allocation for road maintenance which has been given to all councils of the Republic, the meagre sum allocated by the Ministry of Small and Medium Size Enterprises for office registration, and that of social affairs to assist vulnerable population.

On like other councils that had projects for construction of classrooms and supply of equipment to schools, and other social amenities, the SDF councils in Kumba had nothing to count on and show to their population.

To calm down the angry Mayors, the Chairman of the Meme Divisional Participatory Follow-up Committee of Public Investment Budget, Hon. Martin Atinda Mboni, told them that the drop in the number of investment projects was due to Government’s action in fighting insecurity, which is consuming much of the budget.

He also said that the reason may be due to lack of collaboration between the councils and the various stakeholders. He assured them that most of their projects shall be approved under the priority projects of the state.