As the political landscape heats up in Bamenda with the approaching 2025 elections, the Bamenda City Council has released its much-anticipated four-year balance sheet. However, this unveiling comes amidst heightened scrutiny following the publication of a report by the Public Independence Conciliator (PIC), which highlighted governance issues within the council.
Headed by Tamfu Simon Fai, the PIC's report for 2023 shed light on governance challenges faced by the Bamenda City Council, raising questions about transparency and accountability in its operations. This backdrop adds a layer of significance to the release of the council's balance sheet, as stakeholders evaluate the performance of Mayor Paul Achombong's administration.
Mayor Achombong wasted no time in addressing the public via a recent press conference, seizing the opportunity to highlight the council's achievements during his tenure. One of the key areas of success, according to the mayor, is waste management. He recounted the council's efforts in transforming Bamenda from a city plagued by dirt and waste into a cleaner environment inclusion new initiatives such as the door-to-door campaign.
Amidst the backdrop of the ongoing armed conflict, Mayor Achombong emphasized the council's role in combating civic disobedience and fighting the phenomenon of ghost towns, underscoring the importance of maintaining stability and normalcy in the region.
In the healthcare sector, Mayor Achombong touted the council's significant contributions to the fight against COVID-19, including the provision of hand sanitizers and the construction of wash hand stations across the city. Additionally, efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, such as the provision of a generator to the Bamenda Regional Hospital and the construction of boreholes, have been highlighted.
Education has also been a focal point of the council's agenda, with Mayor Achombong emphasizing support for primary schools through the provision of didactic materials, including books and uniforms, aimed at enhancing the learning environment for students.
While Mayor Achombong remained discreet about charity efforts, citing the council's Christian beliefs, he assured the public that significant contributions had been made in this regard.
Infrastructure development featured prominently in the mayor's address, with projects such as market renovations, road constructions, and plans for community road maintenance outlined. Additionally, leisure facilities, including the construction of a dam with a conference center and restaurants, were highlighted as part of the council's efforts to enhance recreational amenities for residents.
Looking ahead, Mayor Achombong announced plans for the construction of a new Bamenda main market following a recent fire incident, signaling the council's commitment to addressing pressing community needs.
As the Bamenda City Council's balance sheet comes under scrutiny at the eve of elections and governance concerns, stakeholders will closely analyze the reported achievements and challenges, weighing their implications for the future of the city. With political tensions running high, the release of this balance sheet sets the stage for a crucial period of reflection and decision-making for residents and policymakers alike.