As of August 8, 2024, the execution rate of the public investment budget (PIB) projects in the South West (SW) Region of Cameroon stands at a concerning 30%, marking a 2% decline from the previous year.
This downturn, highlighted during the first-semester regional committee meeting for the participatory follow-up on the physical and financial execution of these projects, has raised alarm about the region’s development trajectory.
The meeting, held in Buea, brought together key stakeholders, including regional officials, municipal representatives, and members of the Ministry of Public Contracts.
The discussions focused on the challenges hindering the effective execution of the region’s public investment budget, which is over FCFA 22 billion for 2024.
Contract Award Delays, Armed Conflict Among Key Challenges
One of the primary issues identified during the meeting was the problematic nature of contract awards by municipalities.
Officials noted that some municipalities have been awarding contracts to contractors who have failed to meet tax clearance requirements, causing significant delays in project execution.
This has resulted in several projects remaining incomplete or, in some cases, not even starting.
Additionally, the ongoing Anglophone armed conflict continues to pose a significant barrier to the successful implementation of public investment projects in certain divisions.
The conflict has created an unstable environment, particularly in areas like Meme, Ndian, and Manyu, where security concerns have stalled progress on numerous initiatives.
Statistical Overview Of Project Execution
The South West Region has a total of 517 public investment projects to execute in 2024, with a combined value of over FCFA 17.9 billion.
These projects span across various divisions, including:
- Fako Division: 70 projects
- Kupe Muanenguba Division: 29 projects
- Lebialem Division: 42 projects
- Manyu Division: 48 projects
- Meme Division: 29 projects
- Ndian Division: 72 projects
Despite the large number of projects, the region’s overall execution rate remains at 30%, a troubling figure given that the year is already more than half over.
For instance, in Buea, the municipal council has yet to begin key projects such as the construction of an amusement park in Buea Town and the rehabilitation of the road from Memoz to the Presbyterian Church Small Soppo.
Moreover, some councils, such as the Kumba City Council and Tombel Council, have yet to initiate any of their assigned projects, reflecting a zero percent execution rate.
In contrast, the Limbe I Council has managed to achieve an impressive 82 percent execution rate, standing out as a model of efficiency in the region.
Calls For Accountability And Action
Hon. Malomba Esembe, the chairman of the regional participatory follow-up committee for project execution, expressed deep concern over the current state of affairs.
He pointed out that some of the lapses in contract awards and project execution could constitute criminal offences under Cameroonian law.
“We are leaving here with a strong resolve to engage the vote holders to do the needful,” Hon. Esembe asserted.
He called on construction authorities and municipal leaders to review their policies and improve their execution strategies.
