Bamenda
II
Balick
Awa Fidelis poised to embrace Development Projects Despite all
Proofs of
Balick Awa Fidelis’ desire to contribute towards the development of Bamenda II
abound. His development oriented approach has never been doubted as structures
to attest to this can be seen.
However,
one more occasion that gave us an opportunity to further test this desire
presented itself during the Council Budgetary Session that took place recently.
Notwithstanding the stormy security situation around the Council premises, the Budgetary
Session successfully took place on Wednesday November 28.
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.
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| Entrance into Council premises |
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.
Les Gens Du Cameroun: Email: edevnewspaper@gmail.com/ francoeko@gmail.com/ Tel: +237696896001
