Visiting officials of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) have commended the achievements of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Region (PPRD-NW/SW) in the North West Region.
The positive rating was given during the mid-term review meeting of the project in Bamenda. Mohammadou Awal, IsDB Field Representative, conducted a working visit to Bamenda to assess the progress of PPRD projects funded by the bank.
Mohammadou expressed satisfaction with the progress made. “We have seen what has been done so far. We have met with the authorities and the various mayors who have benefited, and their appraisal is satisfactory,” Mohammadou stated.
The Islamic Development Bank is funding projects in 24 of the 34 subdivisions in the North West Region. Works have commenced in 20 subdivisions.
Addressing the challenges faced during implementation, Mohammadou stated, “In the future, we can take advantage of these challenges and see how to better model our projects.”
The North West and South West Regions are benefiting from a 21 billion FCFA envelope covering 47 municipalities. With funding made available in November 2023, the Islamic Development Bank has emphasized that projects must be completed and delivered to the North West population by the end of 2026.
Government officials, local authorities, religious leaders, and community representatives attended the event, highlighting the critical role of these projects in rebuilding lives and livelihoods.
The Inspector General said, “We salute the gesture done by the Islamic Bank to the region, with the hope that it continues to sustain the population and enable them to have a comfortable living together in their various communities.”
Motuba Obase, National Coordinator of PPRD, highlighted the project’s collaborative nature. “We are here to work as a team, in collaboration with major stakeholders, to learn from what has been done so far.”
Obase emphasized the need for a collective effort to ensure the project’s success. The UNDP, as the implementing partner, presented a comprehensive overview of project activities since receiving funding from the IsDB in 2023.
“Six mayors in the region have already benefited from the funding,” revealed the UNDP Regional Coordinator, outlining the project’s impact across various sectors, including education, infrastructure, and community development.
Significant progress has been made in several areas. In Boyo Division, three schools have been successfully rehabilitated, while sociocultural activities have been implemented in 17 councils of the North West region.
However, the project has faced significant challenges, including security hurdles, logistical constraints due to poor road conditions, and disruptions caused by insurgent activities.
The Mayor of Benakuma Council, Ihimbru Solomon, emphasized the importance of education in the recovery process. “What counts is actions on the field. Education is the livewire of every civilization, and the many schools that will be rehabilitated will continue to aid in solving problems related to the crisis.”
The National Coordinator of PPRD stressed the importance of community ownership, citing the tragic destruction of Government School Nyugu as a reminder of the need for community engagement and protection of vital assets.
Stakeholders assessed some of the projects on the field at Sacred Heart College, Islamic School Oldtown, and Saint Paul’s Comprehensive College, Nkwen.
