Fallout of development:

K’ba Populations resist mass demolitions around HTTTC permanent site

By Doh Bertrand Nua in Kumba

At least five persons have been arrested in Mambanda, Kumba 111 subdivision for allegedly off-rooting a sign post supposedly planted by local authorities on the land that has been earmarked by the government for the construction of the permanent campus of the HTTTC Kumba. The Governor of the SWR ordered the arrest of any persons suspected of pulling down the sign post. The sign post in question is presently lying at the Meme SDO’s office, The Median learnt.

                Authorities of HTTTC had planted the notice board to indicate to the public that the site was now public property and any persons trespassing on it will be doing so at their own peril. But villagers from Mambanda and Mukonje reportedly pulled out the sign post, claiming severally that the land was their native ancestral land.

                It should be mentioned that the land in question was before now being disputed between the Bafaws of Mambanda and the people of Mukonje, with both peoples claiming ownership over the land.

                It is believed that government has simply profited from the standoff between the two villages and has appropriated the land.

                Following the arrest of the five villagers, some 21 others stormed the Palace of the King of the Bafaw clan, Nfon Victor EsseminsongoMukete, urging him to press on the authorities to order the immediate and unconditional release of all those arrested. The Median learnt that NfonMukete asked the villagers to retire to their homes, assuring them that he would talk out the matter with the authorities.

                Concordant reports said the site to host the HTTTC has been declared public utility by the government. This means that any persons who insist on occupying the site beyond the 30 days deadline are doing so at their own risk.

                Meanwhile, the chairman of the Mukonje traditional council, Otto Abange Alexander, has advised the people of Mukonje not to attempt waging a war on the government over land because all land belongs to the state. Otto reportedly advised the villagers to rather procure land certificates for any land they believe is theirs because only those with land titles would be compensated by government.

                Since for the past two weeks or so, fear has gripped denizens of Mambanda and Mukonje both in Kumba III sub Division of Meme Division following announcements that massive demolitions and evictions will sooner than later be effected on the land they have been fighting over because the land has now been earmarked and demarcated to host the permanent campus of the Higher Technical Teachers Training College, HTTTC Kumba.

                An ultimatum signed by the Meme SDO, dated 15 November 2016, gave 30 days for any persons occupying the site to quit or they will have their property razed. The occupants of the site were served the SDO’s order by a sheriff bailiff, we learnt.

                "The parcel of land lying and situated at Mukonje village between Total Filling Station Three Corners and Dschang Quarters has been declared public utility pursuant to ministerial order No 000142/MINDCAF of 19th February 2016 and set aside for the construction of the Higher Technical Teachers Training College (HTTTC) Kumba. Those occupying the land in any manner are hereby commanded to vacate within 30 clear days or face eviction and demolition of any structure thereon. Those who continue to meddle on the said land either by themselves or through their agents shall be prosecuted," reads the ultimatum that was served occupants of the area by the bailiff.

                Residents say the ultimatum has left them in confusion and fear, especially as they don’t know where else to relocate to.

                The Median gathered that while occupants with a land title would be compensated, those without any land titles would have no compensation. We also learned that some occupants who do not have land titles are now running helter-skelter in a bid to hurriedly procure one. 

                The HTTTC Kumba was created by a presidential decree in 2014 as part of the head of state’s gift to the Southwest region for hosting the celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the reunification.

                The pioneer Director of the College was Prof Joyce Endeley, a Bafaw indigene. She held the post for barely a few months as she was sacked on 15 September 2015 and replaced by her immediate assistant, Dr. Michael AgborNtui.