PPRD-NW/SW: Committee assesses execution levels in the North West

Balungeli Confiance Ebune, President PPRD steering committee

The steering Committee for the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development for the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW), is currently on a working visit to the North West Region  today to evaluate the execution rate of works carried out under the mentioned plan. 

Singing of the national anthem 

Speaking during the event, the PPRD President who doubles as Director of Carbinet at the Prime Minister's office, Balungeli Confiance Ebune urged the population of the North West Region to collaborate with stakeholders involved in the reconstruction plan for the development of their region. "Time has come where we should take our destinies into our hands...we take it or shy to the threats of those who don't want development". He stated. He also saluted the efforts of the stakeholders involved in the reconstruction of the North West Region  and called on them to  accelerate this  reconstruction process to improve the livelihood of the population. 

NW Regional Coordinator UNDP 

Speaking for the implementing partner of the reconstruction plan, the United Nations Development Program, the North-West Regional Coordinator for UNDP,  Mme Mary Nyuyinui, outlined the level of execution in the Region, stating that the Presidential Plan has reconstructed and euipped four women  Empowerment centres, organised seven socio-cultural events, supported four media houses. For Infrastructure, 45 projects have been carried out and of these 45, thirty schools were  rehabilitated and equipped, seven health centres and 8 water points powered by solar.  Also, 200 farmers have their farms rehabilitated, 37 women cooperatives and a host of poultry farmers have been supported. The projects outlined cut across all the seven Divisions of the North West Region.

She also expressed the  difficulties faced in accessing some areas in the Region where projects had to be executed due to bad roads and insecurity. 

During the visit, it was revealed that  with initial start-up budget of fcfa 10 billion from the State, the PPRD received an additional fcfa 2.8 billion from the Japanese government, fcfa 1.5 billion at the start and  fcfa 1.3 billion this year. The plan is hugely supported by: the Islamic Development Bank, SABC, the Employers Union  Bank of Cameroon, GICAM amongst others.

Prof. Fru Fobuzshi ANGWAFO III 

In his own intervention,  Professor Fru Fobushzi Angwafo III, President of the North West Regional Assembly, appreciated the reconstruction plan for its role in ensuring the steady return to sustainable peace and normalcy in the Region. 

And seized the opportunity appeal to  UNDP to take into consideration the vulnerable population, and consider inclusiveness, in the implementation process.

Prof. Angwafo III also believes that, it is imperative for the Regional Assembly to partner with the PPRD, put together resources and reach out to the  Divisions and Sub Divisions in order to improve on the livelihood of the populations.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique 

On his part, the Governor of the North West Region, H. E Adolph Lele Lafrique while appreciating the level of execution of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development in the North West, stated that;

"Many villages were empty, many have returned to open their small scale businesses. In Nkambe the local population has shown gratitude for the multipurpose hall given to them by the Head of State through the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development. 

"Though the road to Nkambe is horrible in some parts, the people are fade up and the population of the Northwest region in general are expecting that the PPRD will help them to rebuild back better." Governor Lele Lafrique added.

The first day of the working visit of the steering Committee for the Presidential Plan of Reconstruction and Development in the North West Region ended with a tour of some giant projects in  Bamenda III Municipality; namely, the Water Treatment Centre in Mente and the Full Gospel School in Nkwen. The tour to other sites where reconstruction is ongoing in the Region is expected to continue tomorrow March 29, 2023.

Accompanying Minister Balungeli were:  the North West Governor and his entourage, the President of the North West Regional Assembly, the SDO for Mezam, Mayors, Divisional Officers, Regional Delegates of: Communication, Water and Energy, Public Works, Basic and Secondary Education amongst other officials. 

It should be noted that the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW), was an off-shoot of the Major National Dialogue that held from September 30, to October 04, 2019 in Yaounde, that was  created by President Paul Biya is aimed at rebuilding and rehabilitating what existed before but had been destroyed in the course of the socio-political crisis in the two English-speaking regions of Cameroon. 

Since its coming into   place on April 3, 2020, and for almost three years now, beneficiaries of this plan have attested to its effectiveness and vision to improving livelihoods.

Bamenda inhabitants queue for fuel as shortages hit the the city

Transporters lined up at Tradex, up station to take fuel

Scenes like this of people lining up at gas stations in Bamenda, have been common for the past  few days, jerrycans in hand are becoming common place. Most fuel stations have run out of diesel in recent days and those that have are now rationing it.

"There is no fuel all over the town, not even the illicit fuel (Fingeh). We heard, tradex has fuel, so we drove from Ntarinkon to come get even a little.  We can  been line up for 4 hours, 5 hours, just to get as little  as can run the car for the day. I've been here since 6 am," said ndonwi, a taxi driver.

Motorists waiting for their turns to get fuel

"There is already no fuel at other stations and where we find a little bit of petrol, we are told we can't fill our tanks," said Moffo Koumeni, a cab driver.

In the wake of scarce supplies of diesel and Super, transporters have increased transpotation fares. Prices of goods too are shooting up. While the fuel shortage situation is becoming unbearable for motorists and other transporters  in Bamenda and surrounding towns, denizens believe that the days ahead may be more precarious as per price hikes in petroleum products, should the scarcity continue".

"The lines you find in the gas stations is an impact.  It is a psychological moment, it is necessary to prepare the Cameroonian citizen for the worse. For instance,  we managed to find petrol here at Tradex up station, but given the scarcity, they are giving us a litre at 1500FCFA and even rationalising because of the number of people who are here to consume", said Mr. Chifor Pius, an urban transporter.

It should be noted that, on the international market, oil prices have soared and the state is finding it hard to continue subsidizing fuel. Fuel subsidies cost the Cameroonian Government over $1.2 billion a year and the state has come under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to stop them.

By VictoryMarshal Ayafor 

March 12 Senatorial Elections: NCC urges the Media to be responsible

Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubse, President of NCC 

Ahead of the March 12, Senatorial Elections, the President of the National Communication Council, Joseph Chebonkeng Kalabubse has called on media practitioners in the North-West Region not to allow themselves to be used by political for their personal interests, but should report the elections with  objectivity, balance and fairness. 

NCC Delegation with journalists of the North West Region 

He was speaking during a  one day working session with media persons at the Regional Delegation of Arts and Culture on Friday March 3, 2023.

A meeting during which,  press men and women were given a handbook with guidelines on electoral coverage and code of conduct to adopt when reporting, come Sunday March 12, 2023.

Speaking to the press, Mr. Chebonkeng  highlighted the key role the media plays in the entire electoral process and called on them to report with objectivity,  while respecting professional ethics and deontology; not allowing  politicians to use them for their personal interests. The National Communication Council boss also urged the media in the Region to try as much as they can professionally speaking, to be a good reflection of a responsible press especially this election period.

"The peculiarity of the North West Region is that, it is a highly political Region, with two key political parties who are always very present. So when it comes to elections the stakes are heightened and we expect the press which is very vibrant to, during this campaign period give a true reflection of the reality on ground through responsible, fair, objective and balanced reporting that enables the voters to make informed choices".  He added.

Participants at the briefing

Speaking to one of the participants of the briefing, Loh Sera, of Boyo Community Radio expressed how timely the briefing was and how the 

Handbook for journalists during elections will help her do her work following  legal regulations and professional ethics. 

It should be noted that, the March 12, Senatorial Election marks the 3rd of its kind in the political history of our Nation and the very first time the North West Regional Assembly is taking part in the Senatorial Elections.

Campaigns are expected to end on the midnight of Saturday March 11, 2023 and only Municipal and Regional councillors are expected to decide the next 7 voted senators from the North West Region who will be in office for the next 5 years. 

HEALTH: NWRA-SMILE TRAIN committed to change the Region one smile at a time

Prof. Fru Angwafo III and Dr. Nicole Bouba sealing the partnership agreement with a handshake 

The NWRA and Smile Train on Thursday January 26th 2023 signed a health cooperation agreement that provides free treatment of cleft lip and cleft palate for the population of the Region.

Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique giving a remark

The landmark ceremony, which brought together stakeholders from the government, civil society actors, media, grassroots leaders and the population was presided over by the Representative of the State, Governor  Adolphe Lele Lafrique.

Prof Fru Angwafo signs for NWRA while Dr Nicole Bouba signs for Smile Train 

The signed MoU, which  officially establishes a strategic health cooperation agreement between both  institutions, was signed by Prof. Fru Angwafo III, President, North West Regional Assembly and Dr. Nicole Bouba, Director of Smile Train for West and Central Africa.

Prof. Fru Angwafo III giving his keynote address 

In his keynote address , the President of the North West Regional Assembly Prof. Fru Angwafo III accentuated the government’s commitment towards enhancing public health, welcoming the partnership with Smile Train to support awareness and safe cleft treatment within the region. “By signing this memorandum of understanding, we have  literally opened the doors to assist families in need of cleft care in the Region. The MoU provides platform to create awareness in the North West Region on Cleft care while enhancing identification and referral of patients for free treatment. "This is a truly humanitarian agreement that meets the needs of the community of people with clefts. It restores their integrity, their dignity, and their speech, and procures smiles, cheers, happiness and sustained human development". The Regional Assembly boss  added.

Dr. Nicole Bouba facing the Press

Speaking to the Press, the Smile Train Program Director for West and Central Africa Dr Nicole Bouba revealed that the partnership will enhance the availability and quality of cleft treatment in the North West Region of Cameroon. She also  intimated that, Smile Train has supported more than 3000 cleft surgeries  since 2012 through its network of 10 local partner hospitals in 7 regions across Cameroon. Dr Bouba further called on the population of the North West Region to refer or take their children born with cleft lip or palate to their partner hospital here in the Region - Mbingo Baptist hospital where the patients are treated cost free.

 First Cleft case treated at the Mbingo Baptist Hospital 

“Cleft is a birth defect  in which a child experiences difficulty in breathing, eating and speaking. And children who grow up with untreated clefts are often isolated and bullied, unable to socialize and make friends. Statistics hold that in Cameroon, 700 children are born each year with clefts. Therefore, a new Partnership between Smile Train and the North West Regional Assembly will contribute to providing the necessary support to families who are most in need of cleftcare". Dr. Bouba added.

It should be noted that Smile Train is the largest cleft-focused Organization with active cleft care programs in over 70  countries across the world and more than 245 partners and over 255 partner hospitals across Africa. Through strategic partnerships at the local and international levels, Smile Train dedicates itself towards providing funding towards quality healthcare capacity building and advocacy to increase access to safer surgeries and cleft care in low- and middle-income countries. The organization empowers local medical professionals with training, funding, and resources to provide free cleft surgery and comprehensive cleft care to children globally. 

Cleft lip and cleft palate are thought to be caused by a combination of genes and epi-genetic factors, such a substances (foods, drinks, drugs, medications) the mother comes in contact with during pregnancy. They most commonly occur as isolated birth defects but can also be associated with inherited genetic conditions

or syndromes. In the region there are many cases of cleft defects, and considering the spectrum of deficiencies secondary to cleft malformations. Smile Train will through the strategic cooperation partnership signed with the North West Regional Assembly, also train multidisciplinary teams of oral, dental, pediatric surgeons, anesthetists, or  technicians, orthodontists, nutritionists, community health practitioners, and educationists to care for cleft disease.

By VictoryMarshal Ayafor Basang 

Governor Adolphe Lele commisions Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school

Governor Adolphe Lele cutting the commissioning ribbonGovernor Adolphe Lele Lafrique giving his commissioning speechGovernor Adolphe Lele Lafrique giving his commissioning speech

 

The Governor of the North-West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique last friday December 16, 2022 cut the ribbon to commission Royal 5 Nursery and Primary School, Bamenda up Station. During the school Christmas party and commissioning ceremony, Governor Lele Lafrique highly appreciated the quality of investment he sees.

"Based on what we've witnessed here today at Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, I am convinced to say these are the kind of initiatives Cameroon needs to attain its 2035 dream and such a lofty dream will not only end at the basic education level, it will sure cut through into the secondary and even tertiary levels of Education". Governor  Lele commended, while commissioning Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, Bamenda Up Station on Friday December 16th 2022.

Governor Lele giving his commissioning speech 

In his commissioning speech, Governor Lele further reiterated that, mindful of the fact that Royal 5 is  the very first school he is commissioning for his 11 years of service at the helm of the Region, he therefore charges the proprietor and management of the school to be role models for other schools in the Region to emulate. "Royalty entails service and respect of Republican institutions, its symbols, emblems and that of those who encarnate it, so live up to the name of the school. He added.

After the cutting of the commisioning ribbon, Governor Lele and his entourage were shown round the institution. The new facility consists  two floors and a basement, and it has the necessary conditions and enabling environment for learning and training of pupils. In particular, the building of the institution has over 20 educational classrooms and some 8 separate technical/administrative offices, and its equipment is complete within the framework of modern education requirements.

In the school facility, separate classrooms for skill acquisition have been organized like the music studio, the computer lab, the cookery lab etc. The learning experience at Royal 5 is conducted taking into account the requirements of modern times and recognized methods. 

Dr. Sama Emmanuel 

Proprietor, Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, Bamenda Up Station 

In his welcome address,  and focusing on the mission and vision of the school, the Proprietor of Royal 5, Dr. Sama Emmanuel stated that, the school is out to through its innovative education program package and comprehensive learning experience, build well grounded, confident and responsible children equipped to achieve their full potentials in life. "Royal 5 is committed to be the Region's most trusted and valued partners in creating a destination for holistic and high quality education. We at Royal 5 are determined to make the difference and this commitment we make to all our pupils, parents and all stakeholders of the basic education sector". Dr. Sama added.

Mr. John Ngwainbi 

Headteacher Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school 

Mme Suinyuy Prudence 

Assistant Headteacher 

Presenting the holistic education program package, the headteacher of the school, Mr. John Ngwainbi and the assistant Headteacher,  Mme Suinyuy Prudence respectively unveiled the   complete curriculum consisting of a quality academic content and innovative life skill acquisition package like music, cookery, photography, tailoring/fashion designs etc. Royal 5 stands for Holistic education, moral rectitude and academic excellence 

Cross section of pupils in class

The school also offer IT classes with each pupil entitled to a laptop and high-speed Internet connection. The school also has a playground for the pupils, a security system that permits everything happening in the classes and on campus to be on record.  Not forgetting the Nursing station that takes care of the health issues of staff and pupils on campus. It is worth noting that the school is built with high architectural design and the quality of education, program content and enabling learning environment of Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school is truly something to write home about.

The pupils in all excitement graced the event with curricular activities like musical interludes, dancing, recitations, choral singing.

By VictoryMarshal Ayafor Basang 

Governor Adolphe Lele commisions Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school

Governor Adolphe Lele cutting the commissioning ribbonGovernor Adolphe Lele Lafrique giving his commissioning speechGovernor Adolphe Lele Lafrique giving his commissioning speech

 

The Governor of the North-West Region, Adolphe Lele Lafrique last friday December 16, 2022 cut the ribbon to commission Royal 5 Nursery and Primary School, Bamenda up Station. During the school Christmas party and commissioning ceremony, Governor Lele Lafrique highly appreciated the quality of investment he sees.

"Based on what we've witnessed here today at Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, I am convinced to say these are the kind of initiatives Cameroon needs to attain its 2035 dream and such a lofty dream will not only end at the basic education level, it will sure cut through into the secondary and even tertiary levels of Education". Governor  Lele commended, while commissioning Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, Bamenda Up Station on Friday December 16th 2022.

Governor Lele giving his commissioning speech 

In his commissioning speech, Governor Lele further reiterated that, mindful of the fact that Royal 5 is  the very first school he is commissioning for his 11 years of service at the helm of the Region, he therefore charges the proprietor and management of the school to be role models for other schools in the Region to emulate. "Royalty entails service and respect of Republican institutions, its symbols, emblems and that of those who encarnate it, so live up to the name of the school. He added.

After the cutting of the commisioning ribbon, Governor Lele and his entourage were shown round the institution. The new facility consists  two floors and a basement, and it has the necessary conditions and enabling environment for learning and training of pupils. In particular, the building of the institution has over 20 educational classrooms and some 8 separate technical/administrative offices, and its equipment is complete within the framework of modern education requirements.

In the school facility, separate classrooms for skill acquisition have been organized like the music studio, the computer lab, the cookery lab etc. The learning experience at Royal 5 is conducted taking into account the requirements of modern times and recognized methods. 

Dr. Sama Emmanuel 

Proprietor, Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school, Bamenda Up Station 

In his welcome address,  and focusing on the mission and vision of the school, the Proprietor of Royal 5, Dr. Sama Emmanuel stated that, the school is out to through its innovative education program package and comprehensive learning experience, build well grounded, confident and responsible children equipped to achieve their full potentials in life. "Royal 5 is committed to be the Region's most trusted and valued partners in creating a destination for holistic and high quality education. We at Royal 5 are determined to make the difference and this commitment we make to all our pupils, parents and all stakeholders of the basic education sector". Dr. Sama added.

Mr. John Ngwainbi 

Headteacher Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school 

Mme Suinyuy Prudence 

Assistant Headteacher 

Presenting the holistic education program package, the headteacher of the school, Mr. John Ngwainbi and the assistant Headteacher,  Mme Suinyuy Prudence respectively unveiled the   complete curriculum consisting of a quality academic content and innovative life skill acquisition package like music, cookery, photography, tailoring/fashion designs etc. Royal 5 stands for Holistic education, moral rectitude and academic excellence 

Cross section of pupils in class

The school also offer IT classes with each pupil entitled to a laptop and high-speed Internet connection. The school also has a playground for the pupils, a security system that permits everything happening in the classes and on campus to be on record.  Not forgetting the Nursing station that takes care of the health issues of staff and pupils on campus. It is worth noting that the school is built with high architectural design and the quality of education, program content and enabling learning environment of Royal 5 Nursery and Primary school is truly something to write home about.

The pupils in all excitement graced the event with curricular activities like musical interludes, dancing, recitations, choral singing.

By VictoryMarshal Ayafor Basang 

North West Region: Minister Eloundou lays Foundation stone of landmark Gas Plant in Bamenda

Minister Eloundou posing the foundation stone

The Minister of water resources and Energy,  Eloundou Essomba Gaston, has revealed that the price surges the population of the North West region suffers on the cost of domestic gas will soon be a thing of the past. 

Representing the Prime Minister and Head of Government,  Minister Eloundou made this declaration in Bamenda on Saturday November 5, 2022, while laying the foundation stone for the Construction of an ultramodern LPG filling centre at the Bangshie neigbourhood in

Bamendakwe.

The minister intimated that:

"As far as the consumption of domestic gas is concerned,  Bamenda already has a huge market but often suffers from exhurbitant prices. More so, the coming of the plant has the advantage of creating employment for sons and daughters of the Region, and reducing the risks of

handling gas cylinders from Bafoussam to Bamenda which is 80km away. 

"Beyond the comfort the plant brings to the general public by minimising the risks of gas shortage, the presence of this filling centre in Bamenda, will contribute to the consolidation of efforts such as advocated by the Head of State, His Excellency Paul BIYA with the view to revitalise our economy".

And the high dependency on gas will reduce the usage of coal and wood, create jobs and revitalise the local economy,"  Minister Eloundou added.

GM CSPH, Okie Johnson Ndoh

In his own declaration, the General Manager of

the Hydrocarbons Prices Stabilisation Fund (CSPH), Okie Johnson Ndoh,  stated that the gas plant is the 3rd in the Nation, after that of Maroua (2005) and Bertoua in 2015 and is the most modern in the country as at now. Okie added that:

"The Hydrocarbons Prices Stabilisation (HPSF) has opted for the construction 8of these LPG filling centres in regional headquarters, then eventually extend sub centres in  the Divisional headquarters. This deployment of filling centres is in line with the Government's policy to combat deforestation and improve the quality of life of the population.

Prof. Fru Angwafo III,  President of the NW Regional Assembly 

On his part, the President of the North

West Regional Assembly President, Prof Fru Angwafor III, stated that dependence on domestic gas will go a long way to fight deforestation and protect the ozone layer.

The gas plant will also help reduce the use of coal and wood,  hence reducing the dangers of some respiratory diseases. He added.

Prof Angwafo also used the opportunity to request  for the devolution of the competent powers to the regions to drive local development and enhance the Decentralization process of local governance. 

Paul Achombang 

Bamenda City Mayor

In his welcome address, Bamenda City Mayor,  Paul Achombang, pronounced that with the coming of the gas plant, there is already a ready market of about 2.5 million people scattered all over the  region to consume. He equally added that the facility will eliminate middlemen and put an end to the black market syndrome that brings about the price hikes of cooking gas.

The city mayor added that, "the North West Region loses close to

2,000FCFA for every 12 L cylinder gas bottle sold. Which means as the price of gas rises, the region loses about 2.8 billion FCFA in a year. 

The 24 months project costs 5.6 billion

FCFA that will be constructed on a

land area of 6 hectares will have a total storage capacity of 200 MT,  and will comprise:

Four LPG Tanks with a capacity of 50 Metric Tons each, a carousel of twelve stations, a fire water tank, a gas filling hall, a generator,  product and fire pumping station, two nitrogen and air compressors, an engineering building, a maintenance building, a clinic, cafeteria, playground, two security buildings, Control equipment and  two weighbridges etc.

It should be noted that, an LPG filling centre is a technical facility for storing and filling gas. This is where gas cylinders are filled and later returned after consumption. From there, the distribution of gas is ensured by marketers who work in gas distribution and storage in Cameroon, namely: SCTM, AFRIGAZ, BOCOM, Green Oil, Stan Gaz etc". "The Bamenda Gas Plant consists of four gas tanks with a capacity of 50 metric tons each; one fire water tank, one gas filling hall, one generator, one product and fire. He added.

By VictoryMarshal Ayafor Basang