Developing Story III: Analysis; John Fru Ndi leads protest over Reclamation of Marshlands in Bamenda; what impact?

By Bakah Derick

Blogger@hilltopvoices

It is still about a week ago that we reported how flooding had become a daily occurrence in Bamenda. The particular incidence was that of Mile Four Nkwen where traffic was brought to a standstill for hours along the Bamenda-Bambui highway after a stream over flew its banks into the road. On the right just before the stream is this sign board boldly written “no land Reclamation”.

Before now just after the bridge was another sign board on the left with the same message. This message is almost everywhere signed by the Bamenda City Council. The worry is how come with these sign boards work goes on just around it. The case in point is the mile four Nkwen stream. However allow me to mention other places like Mile Six Nkwen where construction on marshlands is a daily occurrence yet no one is saying anything.

 At the time we were reporting floods around Mile Four, another had just occurred in Mulang, then below Foncha the list continuous. It has become more evident that it is the reclamation of these marshlands that floods are occurring every day.

Years back most of these places served as farm land for vegetables like huckleberries. Though risky, it gave some income and also some food. In Ndop or Mile 27 Wum road these marshlands are used for rice cultivation. In Bamenda the rich battle over them to build huge mansions regardless of the consequences.

The environmental problems caused by this reclamation are many. Aquatic life is destroyed, food is lost and much more.

Could this just be the beginning of a “New Revolution”? I think Bamenda needs one. Whoever is right it is important to be right in every direction?  

The defensive nature of the administration puts to question the real motive behind the reclamation of the land. Hear the government delegate talk of Fokou fulfilling all technical requirements for the reclamation of such an area with so much fluency.

The SDO and his Assistant are loud and clear on how the Council could possibly face a law suit should they continue to protest and interrupt work. Who is hiding what? 

Chairman Fru Ndi puts it clearly "the law suit can only be filed if the SDO authorizes." He further notes that the SDO who is the supervisory authority on council issues can put in writing that the permit was issued in Error and for sure it will be withdrawn.

Should
this happen and the certificate is withdrawn who will compensate Fokou for the investment made on the site? The questions are many and the answers will only present the ugly picture of administrative decision making in Cameroon.

 As Chairman Fru Ndi leads the protest hope someone higher than those who have been in charge will come in for a better settlement of the matter.

We are yet to get information from the crisis meeting.