Decrying poor contracts execution:

SW is not dumping pit for fake contractors

 – Public Contracts Delegate

By Boris Esono in Buea

A meeting of the committee for the participatory follow-up of the execution of public investment contracts for the South West region recently took place at the boardroom of the Buea Council.

                Chaired by South West Governor, Bernard OkaliaBilai, the third quarter session was aimed at evaluating the level of execution of regional projects and the challenges faced in the execution process.

                According to the South West Regional delegate of Public Contracts, Kati Alfred this year’s execution rate stands at 80%. Mr. Kati Alfred also insisted much needs to be done given the low execution of contracts especially in the Fako Division.

                While calling on those in charge with the execution of public contracts to sit up. He added, patriotic actions and the participation of everybody will do the region much good. 

                “There should be renewed confidence on the contractors so that they should not have any fear that if we work together, at least, they (Bankers) can pre-finance works and are sure of getting their money back”.

                However, what has happened in the past is a situation where bankers pre-finance projects and end up not having their money in return. A sound warning was given by the regional delegate of public contract to those contractors who are doing trial and error, taking projects just to see if they can do it and at the end abandon the projects. “These people are charlatans and should start getting out of the scene,” said the delegate.

                To Governor Bernard OkaliaBilai, there need to be acceleration of projects with the increase in rainfall and other factors. “Investment in the region is gaining in intensity each year and so every one of us should play their own role to see to it that projects in the pipeline come to fruition through intense follow up”.

                On his part, Mr. Motomby Emmanuel, Deputy Mayor of Buea, opined that the holding of this conference will open a new page in the award, execution and evaluation of public contracts in the region. He however noted that many difficulties exist in the SWR which hamper the smooth execution of projects.

                “SW has a difficult terrain which hampers the smooth carrying out of projects earmarked for the region,” said Motomby.

                All contractors, particularly those concerned with of priority projects were called upon to pace-up work for the quick and proper execution of projects before the rainy season comes knocking.

                Participants rose from the meeting with a call for all to work towards the proper and faster execution of public investment contracts in the South West Region.