Decentralization Minister Meets With SW Collaborators

By Boris Esono & Ticha Melanis

Minister of Decentralization posing with Mayors of the SWR after a working session on decentralization

The Minister of Decentralization and local governance Georges Elange Obam has indicated that local administrators are committed to work and have decided that decentralization is well applied concerning the role they have to play. The Minister was speaking in Buea at the end of a two-day working session in the SWR.

            Appointed last March 2, the Minister was making his first visit to the region since he was appointed as the pioneer Minister of the newly created Ministry of Decentralization and Local governance in last cabinet shakeup.

            In a close session with Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai, SDOs, DOs in the region, on 12 July 2018, the Minister said the various officials have also assured him that they were going to be by the side of the councils to ensure that decentralization is a success in the region.

In a meeting with mayors later, the minister discussed with them the orientations given by the head of state on the implementation of decentralization and local development.

            “I discussed the material and financial problems faced by the mayors and the challenges posed by the present socio-political climate in the region. But they have assured me of their commitment to ensure that the decentralization becomes a reality.”

            From Buea, the Minister made a stop at some facilities owned by FEICOM in Limbe. He equally visited the new building of Limbe 1, the current building of FEICOM SW, and the Limbe City council building. After visiting the various sites, the Minister was satisfied with the work done on the different projects except FEICOM new site which is below average.

            According to Nzeke Dibotti Luma, Mayor Limbe 3, work at their new council chamber is progressing steadily. “The building which went under construction in 2011 is progressing as the external work is about 40%. Due to so many problems on the part of the contractor, we had to engage other procedures to have the contract cancelled and re awarded to another contractor who has been doing a wonderful work. The contractor has given us his word and in a month’s time the building will be ready”.