Bamenda II Council Budgetary session holds despite security challenges

Notwithstanding the stormy security situation around the Council premises, the Bamenda II Council Budgetary Session successfully took place on Wednesday November 28.

Balick Awa Fidelis

According to Balick Awa Fidelis, mayor of Bamenda II Council, in drawing the budget which stood at 692.000.000 FCFA balanced in revenue and expenses, certain factors were taken into consideration. These included; conventions with collaborators, subvention from the Bamenda City Council which increased from FCFA 30 to 40 million, outstanding payments and state subventions.

Mayor Balick Awa Fidelis drew attention to the fact that the budget was about FCFA 93.000.000 lower than the previous budget. He said because of the difficulties being faced due to the socioeconomic crises, it was very clear that the council would not be able to raise enough revenue as it used to do in the past.

The mayor further said despite the prevailing problems he envisaged putting up some health facilities. “We are also going to construct a hanger at the Nitop Market which is already under construction and which will soon be finished. Again we have some very bad roads and a number of broken bridges. Bridges that were constructed so many years ago are giving way in Bamenda II. A twenty ton truck full of sand fell into an old bridge and sank inside water. So you see, these are bridges that were built long ago that we need to work on. We are also going to pay particular attention to health facilities, education and socio cultural projects” the mayor explained.

The Mayor further explained that challenges included the non-payment of taxes and insecurity. “Insecurity is so glaring and you are witnesses to what has happened here today,” the mayor said referring to gun shots that briefly interrupted the session from unknown gunmen. A young police officer who was in the heat of the action said the assailants were five in number and presented bullet casings which he said were collected from the scene of action. The mayor further said under these circumstances money could not be collected. “Most of our traders have left this town for greener pastures in other towns. People who can pay taxes are no longer doing it because the money is not even there. Our prayer is that peace should return as fast as possible so that things can get back to normal.”

The Seniour Divisional Officer for Mezam, Songa Pierre Rene who hastened to the Council premises on learning about the security hitches called on all to remain resolute in the fight against those who had decided to make life unbearable to peace loving Cameroonians. The Government he said had extended a hand to these armed youths to hand over their arms and get re-inserted into society and empowered to do something meaningful for livelihood. He exhorted the councilors to educate their populations on the necessity for peace.

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