Living with a disability in Bamenda, the regional capital of the North West Region, is already challenging due to the lack of inclusive public infrastructure such as roads, buildings, and transportation. For those residing in remote municipalities like Njikwa, 50 kilometres from Bamenda in Momo Division, the hurdles are even steeper. With its hilly topography and poor road networks, accessibility is a daily struggle. However, the Njikwa Council is taking steps to address these challenges, as disclosed during its budgetary session on Friday, 13 December 2024.
Speaking to www.hilltopvoices.com, Mayor Akebe Angwa Emmanuel announced that the Council's 2025 budget would prioritise social inclusion, particularly for persons with disabilities (PWDs). Acknowledging the geographical challenges, he emphasised a shift from standard mobility aids, such as tricycles and wheelchairs, to tailored solutions that empower PWDs to be self-reliant.
“In our present context, we talk of inclusiveness, so persons with disabilities and even vulnerable people are part and parcel of our policy,” the Mayor stated.
“Our area is very hilly, and the road network is not suitable for tricycles and wheelchairs. We have to look for ways to empower them so they can better take care of themselves.” he added
The Council’s 2025 budget, set at slightly over 506 million FCFA, represents a decrease of over 90 million FCFA from the previous year. Despite this reduction, Mayor Angwa assured that the Council remains committed to its development goals.
“This drop does not mean that the priorities of the Njikwa Council are low. We are very ambitious in developing our municipality. We are sourcing other funds from sources, such as the Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance (FEICOM), to complement our efforts,” he said.
According to the Mayor, the budget will focus on social projects, education, water and sanitation, and income-generating activities. Plans are also underway to construct health centres in villages within Njikwa, ensuring accessible healthcare for all residents.
Mayor Angwa outlined specific measures aimed at promoting inclusivity for PWDs, particularly in Council projects.
“We always insist that our infrastructure should be accessible to persons with disabilities. Architects and engineers are strictly advised to ensure that every design is inclusive,” he explained.
For PWDs, empowerment will come in the form of startup support rather than conventional mobility aids. The Mayor believes this approach will help beneficiaries adapt to their environment and improve their livelihoods.
“Though we have not had credits this year from the state for persons with disabilities, we will look for ways within our budget to meet their needs,” he pledged.
Organisations advocating for the rights of persons with disabilities, such as the Coordinating Unit of Association of Persons with Disabilities (CUAPWD) have outlined several ways that rural councils like Njikwa can better support vulnerable populations.
According to these structures, ensuring that public infrastructure adheres to universal design standards, providing vocational training and startup funding, collaborating with NGOs and government agencies to secure funding, raising community awareness about the rights of persons with disabilities, and implementing conflict-sensitive support initiatives can be a great way forward.
Beyond budgetary commitments, Mayor Angwa urged Njikwa elites and other stakeholders to support educational initiatives in the municipality.
“Anyone who prevents education is destroying the future of this municipality,” he declared, reinforcing the Council’s focus on ensuring that no child in Njikwa is left behind.
As Njikwa charts its path for 2025, the Council’s commitment to inclusivity and empowerment signals hope for vulnerable groups in the municipality. While the challenges remain significant, targeted support for PWDs, alongside broader development projects, could transform lives and set a benchmark for inclusive rural governance.
By Bakah Derick
Email: hilltopvoicesnewspaper@gmail.com
Tel: 6 94 71 85 77