Public Sector workers:

Family allowances increased by FCFA 1000
By Kelvin Nembo Njuhsop in Yaounde

Gregoire Owona

From henceforth, family allowances that had since 1985 stood at CFA 1800 per child monthly will witness an increase of not less than 50%. That is about FCFA 1000 increase making it a total of FCFA 2800 per child beginning this January 2016.
The information was made known January 14th by the President of the National Advisory code, Gregoire Owona who also doubles as the Minister of Labour and Social Security.             Worth noting is the fact that only salaried workers registered under the labour code with one or two children are entitled to such allowances.
    Speaking in Yaounde recently during the maiden deliberations of the board, Minister Gregroire Owona pointed out that such an increase which will be inforced by the 2016 budget given the present economic context will go a long way to help boost the living standards of most Cameroonians. 

    Even though many Yaounde inhabitants have saluted the presidential gesture, some trade Unionists have lampooned the move saying that it still remains very insignificant.
    Others are of the opinion that it is absurd to increase family allowances while taxes are skyrocketing. Cameroonians pay exorbitant hospital bills charged in state hospitals, at times even more than the case of private hospitals. This, they say is contrary to the social responsibility of the government that has as primary objective to contribute to the welfare of its citizens.
    They suggest that the government should extend such gestures in other domains. For instance, offer subventions indirectly through tax reduction strategies, strive towards reducing hospital bills so that every average Cameroonian can have access to the best health services, increase housing allowances amongst others. If these measures are taken; they say, it will help them carter for their children’s health, education, improved housing conditions which are appropriate indicators of good standards of living.
    It is worth mentioning that the increase in family allowances was announced by President Paul Biya in his traditional end of year address to the nation last December 31. The measure is expected to be implemented as from January 2016.