By Walter Wilson Nana
Buea, Cameroon.
Bernard Okalia Bilai, Governor of the Southwest Region and President of the Local Organising Committee, LOC, of the celebrations marking the Reunification of Cameroon in Buea has said FCFA 20 Billion has already been spent for the build up of the celebrations.
He made the revelation at a joint meeting, Saturday, June 8 2013 that brought together members of LOC and the Southwest Regional Support Committee for the Reunification of Cameroon headed by Senator Peter Mafany Musonge at the conference room of the Southwest Regional Delegation of Public Service and Administrative Reforms.
Stakeholders at joint meeting to evaluate reunification preparations.
According to Okalia Bilai, a total of FCFA 20 Billion has been spent already in Buea and its environ. “This is a testimony that President Biya wants the occasion to be solemn,” he noted. He will add that at the level of the state, much has being achieved in Buea, Tiko, Kumba and Limbe. “Buea has benefitted about 17 projects, with passable roads linking into the municipality, a road under construction that will link the Governor’s Office and the town, the Mountain Hotel Hotel and Parliamentarian Flats are practically done with, a 1,300-seater Presidential Grand Stand is complete, there is a befitting city hall for Buea, the Governor’s Office has been given a facelift and the tarring of some roads are on-going in Buea.” he said.
The Governor said the LOC has been working, relentless for over a year in Buea, Tiko, Kumba and Limbe, while receiving support from the Divisional Officers, Senior Divisional Officers and other stakeholders. “Hence, it was time to exchange notes with the Southwest Support Committee, other stakeholders and actors involved in this would be grand celebrations, so that we synchronise our effort.” he mentioned.
LOC members at joint meeting with Southwest Support Committee.
Though some other projects are yet to be completed, Okalia Bilai was upbeat that they will go through them, following the pressure they are exerting on the concerned. “We have gone far. Most of the projects stand at 50-60 percent execution. Those who will fail in their responsibilities will be answerable to the nation and the government. There is action on the field and we invite the latecomers to catch up. I will not bear the failures of other people; everybody will face his or her responsibilities.” he said.
On why the press was left out in the heart of the meeting, Okalia Bilai responded; “There were some issues we intended to discuss within us (LOC). The presence of the press would have put some of the stakeholders in an uncomfortable manner. The press and the LOC are all following the developments on the field. It is not necessary for the press to be there when we are washing our dirty linens.”
Senator Peter Mafany, Chair, Southwest Regional Support Committee for Reunification
The Chair of the Southwest Support Committee, Senator Musonge, said the elites of the Region cannot stand by and not show their support to the celebrations. “We are working in synergy with the Governor to ensure success. They have being working for two years. Our people must come out and celebrate with President Biya. 50 years of celebrations does not come everyday.”
Senator Musonge said though the financial incidence of the celebrations will be the preserve of the state, their ongoing financial drive is to cater for the local population. “Government does not need our money. If our people are coming from the various Divisions, there are things we can do for them. That is why our resources will be useful. We plan to have a gala night that will be sponsored by us.” he noted.
Senator Musonge, who doubles as the Grand Chancellor of National Orders made a plea to the people of the Southwest Region to come out in their numbers when the date of the celebrations will be announced.
A tentative date for another joint meeting was taken for Saturday, July 6 2013.
