North West, South West Regions: Socio-Economic Activities Blossoming

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North West, South West Regions: Socio-Economic Activities Blossoming

16 août 2022 06:07

The evaluation was made recently in Yaounde during the 4th session of the steering Committee for the Follow-up of the Implementation of the Recommendations of the Major National Dialogue chaired by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Chief Dr Dion Joseph Ngute.

T hree years after the holding of the Major National Dialogue for the peaceful resolution of the socio-political crisis in the North West and South West Regions and other issues plaguing national life, the Committee to follow-up the implementation of the recommendations have produced a positive report card. Members of the Committee met at the Auditorium of the Prime Minister’s Office on August 4 to evaluate the road covered so far and chart a way forward for a complete return to normalcy in the restive regions. The chairperson of the Follow-up Committee, Prime Minister and Head of Government, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute in his opening remarks noted that socio-economic activities which were difficult and impossible during the peak of the crisis are now blossoming. The Prime Minister detailed actions that have been taken in the field as a result of the dialogue and the impact on the socio-economic life of the two regions.

Decentralization Fostered

According to the PM’s presentation, the Major National Dialogue paved the way for the acceleration of the decentralization process with the passing of the law on Regional and Local Authorities which gave the two English-speaking regions a “Special Status” based on their historical and cultural values. The special status, the PM insisted, empowers the locally elected officials to initiate development projects within their communities and exploit economic opportunities for new investments, create new jobs and adding value to local initiatives and products in consonance with the National Development Strategy 2020- 2030. The overall objective, the PM stated, is the promotion of sustainable community development.

Presidential Plan For Reconstruction/Development

Another important milestone in the peace and recovery efforts government has carried out in the two regions is the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions (PPRD-NW/SW). The plan, Chief Dr Dion Ngute noted, has been addressing immediate needs of the affected population. Palpable strides have been recorded in the 23 councils selected to pilot the execution phase contingent with the availability of funds. It should be recalled that during the recent evaluation of the PPRD-NW/SW, the coordination team highlighted several development projects already carried out by the implementation partner, United Nations Development Programme. It emerged that some FCFA 12 billion has already been invested in the construction and rehabilitation of damaged socio-economic infrastructure like water schemes, schools and economic amongst others. Other Economic Activities

Gathering Steam

The committee also noted with satisfaction the steady increase in economic activities which are gradually returning to pre-2016 era. The Prime Minister stated that fresh veget...