Poverty alleviation in NW region:

GP-DERUDEP launches Phase II projects

By Jean Marie Ngong Song

The Grass Field Participatory and Decentralised Rural Development Project, GPDERUDEP has launched phase two of its projects in some four selected production basins of the NW region namely Baw/Bonso, Santa, Tubah/Widikum and Gayama localities. The launching took place on 14 March 2016 at the Tikari hall in Sabongari, Nwa sub-division.

                Co-financed by the African Development Bank, ADB, Islamic Development Bank, IDB and the Cameroon government, this phase of the project shall feature the creation and rehabilitation of 53km of rural roads, extension of 34.7km high tension cables and 14.8km low tension electricity cables of electricity; construction of three markets, realisation of food transformation centres development and irrigation of 120 hectare of land for rice production amongst others.

                Speaking at the launch, the Director General of MIDENO, John B Ndeh enjoined the populations to participate and make the project a success as was the case for phase one. He reminded the populations that GP-DERUDEP projects are aimed to improve the lives of the beneficiary populations.

                Speaking on behalf of the beneficiary councils of Nwa, Mbiame and Ndu that constitute the Baw/Bonso basin, the 1st deputy mayor of Nwa council, Lawrence Menyong, described the launch of the project in Sabongari as the beginning of the disenclavement of Nwa subdivision.

”Nwa sub division is still virgin and begging for development: food stuffs can’t get to the market on time because of bad roads, while social amenities are far-fetched. We are happy that the local populations will participate in the execution of the project as this will not only be a source of employment but will also enable them to understand the nature, purpose and cost of the project,” Lawrence Menyong averred.

                In a question and answer session, the locals and officials of GPDERUDEP discussed at great length, clearing all doubts and preparing the way for the smooth execution of the project which has started with the rehabilitation of the road from Mbiame to Bonso. 

                The first phase of the project spanned from 2004-2011 and was considered the best amongst projects sponsored by ADB. The second phase which started since 2014 was stalled because of lack of funds. But officials say the funds are are now available.

                This phase two of the project will be executed by Chariot Company limited with Michel Nkeng as CEO. It shall consume a whopping sum of FCFA 19 billion.