Paul Tasong, President of the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) steering committee, has outlined a new framework enabling multiple implementing partners to carry out works, previously handled solely by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Following Prime Minister Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute’s Order No 075/CAB/PM of 30 July 2024, local and regional councils will participate in executing PPRD projects.
Tasong explained that the plan, established in 2020, focused initially on recovery, with 258 projects completed, 38 ongoing, and two suspended, according to Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, President of the North West follow-up committee.
The revised PPRD will empower councils to oversee development, supported by key state stakeholders. A memorandum of understanding will be signed between the PPRD and councils, ensuring strict resource utilisation.
Paul Tasong in a black suit chairs a PPRD meeting
The Regional follow-up committee now includes mayors, with Tasong emphasizing the importance of their residency in council areas.
With the slogan “building back better,” the PPRD prioritizes reconstruction and improvement. Tasong noted that the second and third phases will focus on revitalising the agro-industry in the North West and South West Regions.
A meeting will assess potential PPRD interventions in CDC, PAMOL, and UNVDA activities.
Initially budgeted at 150 billion for the recovery phase, the PPRD has mobilised 50 billion in four years. The total budget for transforming the North West and South West Regions is 2500 billion.
Projects like the Bamenda-Babadjou road and the Bamenda urban bypass will commence soon.
Regional follow-up committee President Adolphe Lele Lafrique welcomed the new framework, while Bafut Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence praised the PPRD’s quality work and requested continued support for farmers.
