The President of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the Northwest and Southwest, PPRD-NW/SW, Minister Paul Tasong has asserted that despite numerous challenges faced, the reconstruction plan has achieved remarkable progress since its launch.
The PPRD-NW/SW noted that despite the myriad challenges that have arisen, the plan’s leadership, under the stewardship of Minister Paul Tasong, has demonstrated unrelenting commitment to rebuilding and restoring the affected regions.
Answering questions from the press in Buea, Minister Tasong said they are being pragmatic, and along the way, they are adjusting to get the best out of the reconstruction plan. One of such projects he said they are learning from is the building of markets. He said he would prefer that such funds should go to other projects, while Public Private Partnerships are pursued to build markets.
The Prime Minister, Chief Dr. Joseph Dion Ngute, who also serves as the supervisor of the PPRD-NW/SW, also acknowledged the progress being made in rebuilding the two regions. Speaking in Buea on May 30, following a tour of projects in Ombe and Buea, the Prime Minister expressed satisfaction with the execution of the projects.
The tour, which concluded at the Islamic Secondary School in Buea Town, showcased the numerous projects accomplished under the PPRD-NW/SW. These include the strengthening of social cohesion through various initiatives, such as supporting 800 people in obtaining lost documents and rehabilitating community-based women’s centres. In terms of basic infrastructure, the PPRD-NW/SW has rehabilitated 99 schools, 39 health facilities, and 4 bridges, among other projects.
The PPRD-NW/SW President, Minister Paul Tasong, highlighted the challenges faced by the plan but emphasised that remarkable progress has been made. “We are working carefully to avoid loss of life,” he said, explaining that the team avoids areas where conflict is ongoing and only intervenes when the situation has cooled down. Tasong expressed hope that more funding partners will come on board to support the plan, which aims to bring peace, restore dignity, and upgrade infrastructure and social facilities in the two regions.
The PPRD-NW/SW is structured into three phases: recovery, reconstruction, and development. With an estimated budget of FCFA 2,500 billion, the plan has made significant progress, particularly in the recovery phase, with 64.65% realization in infrastructure, 26.93% for livelihoods, and 9.29% for social cohesion. The plan has also funded the Cameroon Development Corporation with FCFA 20 billion for salary payments and supported the Upper Noun Valley Development Authority, among other initiatives.
Despite the challenges, the PPRD-NW/SW remains committed to rebuilding the economy and restoring peace in the Northwest and Southwest regions, which have been affected by an ongoing conflict since 2016.
By Andrew Nsoseka & Njodzeka Danhatu
