2016 FEMALE AFCON:

 Contractors given four months to complete jobs

By Ajongakou Santos in Buea

Barely eight months to the Female African Cup of Nations to be hosted by Cameroon in November 2016, the committee set up to supervise local projects in the South West Region have given contractors a four-month ultimatum to complete work on the various pendant projects. Reports suggest that, Limbe and its Omnisport Stadium will host Pool B of the female Nations Cup due for November through December this year.

                The local organizing committee whose primordial task is to mount pressure on recalcitrant contractors so that they speed up works at the various construction sites was formally commissioned into office recently at the South West Governor’ office.

                While commissioning the committee to office, the Secretary General at Prime Minister’s office, SeraphineMagloireFouda, accompanied by Sports and Physical Education Minister, Ismael BidoungMkpatt, likewise Abba Sadou of Public Contracts, warned that no excuses will be permitted from the committee given that November 2016 is very near. He also challenged the committee to work tirelessly as they make sure the various contractors on the different projects work 24 hoours daily and all seven days of a week.

                While warning irate contrctors of the consequences they turn to face should they fail to complete work in time, the Secretary General at the Prime Minister’s office urged the local set up committee headed by South West Governor, Bernard OkaliaBilai, to commence the supervisory works immediately given that they are expected to succumb weekly reports to the National Committee that is charged with preparations ahead of the two Nation Cups, (2016, 2019). For all these to work, the Secretary General proposed contractors increase their staff and equipment. Meantime, contractors charged with hotel renovations have until June 20 to clear their work, he added.

                The committee appointed by prime ministerial decree No. 017/CAP/PM of February 1, 2016 will function permanently and operate till the male category of the African Nations Cup is organized in 2019.

                Owing to the slow pace of work at the various sites, both the Secretary General and Sports Minister warned the committee not to relent their efforts given that they will be charged will all the concerned contractors of the 2016 & 2019 Football competitions. Governor Bernard OkaliaBilai, Chairman of the local committee was urged to see that all stakeholders work in synergy so that the deadline is respected.

                The committee whose mandate expires in 2019 comprise of Governor Bernard OkaliaBilai as Chairperson, Clement FonNdikum as secretary general, the Senior Divisional Officer for Fako- Zang III, THE Government Delegate to the Limbe City Council, the Mayor of Buea, Patrick Ekema, regional delegates, the Divisional Officers of Buea and Limbe I, II, III, four traditional authorities amongst others.

                While in the South West Region, the Sports and Physical Education Minister and the delegation from Yaounde had working sessions with the newly commissioned committee alongside contractors and project executors, where-in they were schooled with guides on how to ensure a successful organization of the two football tournaments.

                It was furious and tensed at the project sites in Buea and Limbe where work was almost at a standstill, progressing at the pace of a tortoise’s walk. It is now left for the set up committee to get to work making sure no stone is left unturned. Time is not on anyone’s side, neither does time wait for anyone.