By Boris Esono Nwenfor
A wave of optimism is sweeping through the North West and South West Regions as concerted efforts to drive socioeconomic growth and recovery gain significant momentum.
This is thanks to the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions, PPRD-NW/SW.
Thanks to the visit of the Prime Minister, Head of Government to Bamenda, evaluations show challenges are gradually giving way to a robust reconstruction and development agenda.
Recent high-level engagements and comprehensive activity reports, officials said, underscore a commitment to revitalizing these regions, fostering local economic development, and restoring hope among communities.
The visit of Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute and other high-ranking government emissary to the North West Region, where local authorities and community representatives expressed profound gratitude and unwavering support for the ongoing initiatives.
Professor Fru Angwafo III, President of the North West Regional Assembly, articulated the sentiments of his constituents, emphasizing the transformative impact of the PPRD.
“The Population of the North West Region, through my voice, wishes through you to thank the Head of State for sending an emissary of your caliber to visit and galvanize our people ahead of the upcoming Presidential Elections,” Prof Angwafo III noted.
He pledged the “unwavering support to Paul Biya, President of the Republic, wise man of Africa, as well as confirm our commitment to champion his candidacy in the upcoming Presidential Elections.”
Prof Angwafo also highlighted the tangible benefits of the PPRD’s collaborative approach with regional and local authorities.
“We reckon with great satisfaction the positive evolution of the PPRD to partner with regional and local authorities in the execution of projects. The North West Regional Assembly, he said is constructing, rehabilitating, and equipping twelve secondary schools this year 2025 thanks to the PPRD.
The policy, often deepens the devolution process, improves local economic development, as citizens and communities participate in their development”.
He further expressed profound gratitude to the government for the decentralization process and the Special Status accorded to the North West and South West Regions, operationalized through the PPRD. Prof. Angwafo III cited several transformative projects already breathing life into the regional economy.
“We therefore wish to thank the Head of State for all the PPRD Funded projects for the North West Region, the construction of a modern DDR facility in Bamenda, the completion of the Bamenda-Babadjou road, the recent commissioning of the Bangshie Gas Plant, as well as the ongoing works on some sections of the Ring-Road, slated for completion by year’s end. These transformative projects are breathing life into the regional economy and restoring trust and hope in our communities.”
Pressing Concerns
Despite the progress, Professor Angwafo III, echoed the sentiments of the population. “Like Oliver Twist, bear with us as we present some of the tasks of the population. The overriding concern is the poor state of roads in all Divisions of the Region and its impact on economic recovery.
“The Bangshie Gas Plant cannot go fully operational without a tarred access road. Most roads in Bamenda, the Regional capital, are in disrepair. Airport- Fon of Mankon stretch, Bamenda intra-urban perimeter road etc.”
He also brought to light social challenges, stating, “On the social side, victims of the recent Bamenda market fire disaster and those of the Lake Nyos 1985 catastrophe are still awaiting assistance from the Government”.
The Regional Assembly president noted that, “ there are many persons awaiting compensation for or construction of homes destroyed during the crisis”.
Electricity shortages were also a critical issue, with Professor Angwafo noting that: “There are four Divisions facing chronic shortages in the supply of electricity, notably Momo, Bui, Donga-Mantung and Menchum”.
In Ngoketunjia, he added that “the Ndop Principal Prison urgently needs rehabilitation. Work is also needed to stop the recurrent overflowing of the Bamendji Dam.”
He appealed for greater devolution of powers “appeal for devolution of more powers, transfer of specifications and resources to respond more efficiently to local aspirations, demands and needs as expressed in local and regional development plans.
He said the people of the North West Region believe the Prime Minister will channel their concerns to their Head of State. The heartfelt appeals were addressed in the presentation and validation of the PPRD activity report as of June 2025, delivered by Minister Paul Tassong.
Minister Tasong on PPRD Achievements
The report provided a comprehensive overview of the plan’s strategic objectives and remarkable achievements since its inception with the signing of the first organic framework on April 3rd, 2020.
Minister Tasong reiterated the core objectives of the PPRD: “The PPRD had as key objectives to restore and improve the living conditions of populations impacted by the crisis in the North West and South West regions, address development backlog in the regions among other objectives”.
He highlighted the simultaneous progress across the three pillars of the recovery phase: social cohesion, local economic revitalization, and rehabilitation of basic infrastructure, estimated at 154 billion CFA Francs.
A key takeaway from Minister Tassong’s presentation was the widespread impact of the PPRD. “There are footprints in all the 65 councils in both the North West and South West regions with equity in the distribution of projects carried out”.
He detailed the significant financial commitment, stating, “Total budget for the PPRD in this phase stands at 46,678,630,933 billion CFA. Income as at 30th of June 46.679 billion and evolution at +16.423. Expenditure at 30.719 and +9 evolution.”
The Minister who is PPRD Steering Committee Chairperson said: “Infrastructure has engulfed 76% of the total expenditures so far with regards to the executed projects.”
A comparative analysis of budget allocation, he said, revealed that the North West region had received 46.7% of PPRD funds, while the South West had received 54.3%, demonstrating a commitment to equitable development.
Minister Tassong also showcased specific reconstruction projects, including the Atugolah Stadium executed to the tune of 1 billion FCFA and the ultra-modern gas plant at 6.5 billion FCFA.
He outlined priorities for the ongoing 2025 fiscal year, emphasizing “the rehabilitation of roads and electricity networks, reinforcement of the production system of CDC, PAMOL, and UNVDA and pursuit of basic social services”.
Uncommon Resilience
A striking observation from Minister Tassong was the resilience of the local population: “the ongoing crisis, many persons have learnt the hard way by coping, resilient and surviving in the midst of the crisis against all odds.”
Addressing the critical issue of road infrastructure, Minister of Public Works, Emmanuel Nganou Njoumessi, provided updates on ongoing projects.
He confirmed that focus is on “phase one Bamenda Babadjou and the 2nd the ring road”. He acknowledged efforts to improve communal roads, praising “Buns Company has been doing a wonderful work with the 51.95 km of road realised in 4 lots”.
Regarding compensation for affected communities, he stated, “Compensation had already started and the World Bank accompanied the process.”
He further detailed what has been done with respect to the extensive Ring Road project: “356km ring road with majority under studies and 90km under construction from Kumbo to Ndu, Ndu to Misaje and others”.
For communal roads, he reassured that “all council’s are receiving funds to ameliorate the situation of their roads,” appealing for “the population to assist the construction of the roads.”
The Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Celestine Ketcha, also contributed to the discussion, affirming, “they have done a lot of work done to ensure the smooth process of the low cost houses in the region.”
Minister Nalova Lyonga On Need For Quality
A strong emphasis on quality and accountability came from the Minister of Secondary Education, Nalova Lyonga. She unequivocally stated, that “there is no need to say that roads will be done and not properly done.” She critically castigated those who undertake projects without ensuring durability “Don’t say you will do roads that after five years, it is washed away.”
Interactions during the session further highlighted the collective desire for progress. Senator Regina Mundi passionately declared, “the time for destruction has passed and now is the time for reconstruction to build a positive path for the Republic of Cameroon.”
Wum-Bamenda Road Project Appeal
Mayor Ndigambong Anthony of the Wum Council made a specific plea, urging the Minister of Public Works to “hasten the work on the lot Bamenda to Wum instead of other prioritised lots of the ring road project.”
The comprehensive efforts outlined by the PPRD and the commitment demonstrated by various ministries paint a clear picture of a region on the cusp of significant socioeconomic transformation.
The combination of strategic investments, active community participation, and a steadfast dedication to infrastructure development is laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth, ultimately leading to improved living conditions and renewed prosperity for the North West and South West Regions.
The ongoing projects, coupled with the resilience of the local population and the responsiveness of the government, signal a promising future, transforming the narrative from one of crisis to one of burgeoning development and renewed hope.
