The Regional Delegate for Decentralization and Local Development has said the decentralization process in the region is now complete and effective with all structure and resources now put in place to ensure functionality.
Mbah Mbole Pius made the revelation in Bamenda, August 10 during activities to commemorate the 10th edition of the African day of decentralization and statistics.
According to Mbah Mbole Pius, the creation of the North West Regional Assembly, the appointment of officials to serve in the assembly and the official voting of the assembly’s budget are indicators that the decentralization journey in Cameroon is on track.
He equally regrets that the ongoing crisis in the region has rendered practical ground work difficult.
Public opinion in Bamenda has however questioned the press outing of the regional delegate saying his statements are subjective and fail to reflect the real situation on the ground.
“Since the erection of the institutions enumerated by the regional delegate, we do not even know them talk less of them doing anything effectively” remarks Johnson, a resident of Bamenda.
He adds: “Let the regional delegate tell us what has the Regional Assembly done to the common man to announce their presence in the region, just nothing”
Merrcy Binwe, another resident off Bamenda says the councils are still creeping with decentralization.
“I do not really understand what the delegate means when he says decentralization has been completed in the region. I’m sure he must have just finished a meal of Eru and water fufu. Let him tell us, how many ministries have been decentralized to the city council and sub divisional councils” she stated, adding government officials continue to “make empty and unfounded statements everyday that make people angry and we turn around to blame the president” she said.
the decentralization process in Cameroon has dragged on since the late 1990s. The Anglophone crisis has further exposed how long the process has been long overdue.
By Timfuchi Aaron
Delegate rates Decentralization in North West at 100%
