The National Coordinator of the Reconstruction and Development of the Northwest and Southwest Region, Minister Tasong Njukang Paul has answered doubting thomases who said that Reconstruction cannot take place when war is ongoing, "....yes we can, because Reconstruction is Pathway to Peace"
He was speaking in Bamenda, on Monday June 22nd during the opening of the awareness and sensitization meeting, of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the Northwest and Southwest Regions.
According to the Minister, Reconstruction will begin from areas that are peaceful, "It will be done gradually from peaceful and secure areas, to prevent people from loosing lives, people cannot live on assistance forever because Development is sustainable".
He also made mention of the steps taken by the Head of State, President Paul Biya to extend a hand of fellowship to the people of the Northwest and Southwest regions, to ensure that peace and normalcy returns.
He cited the release of over 289 people and later 333 detainees in connection to the ongoing Anglophone crisis, the follow up on the Ngar-Buh incident, sanctioning soldiers involved in the act, the Major National Dialogue that held in September and October 2019, amongst many others.
" The draft Reconstruction plan has been submitted to the Head of State who marked his high approval", according to him, his mission is aimed at restoring the pride of the people and restore the values that build Community lives.
The Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development (PPRD) of the Northwest and Southwest is more about global development and Minister Paul Tasong says the transformation of these 2 regions will last over 10years.
He was Speaking in the prescence of the Governor of the Northwest Region, Adolphe Lele LAfrique ,Senior Divisional officers of the 7divisions, Mayors, Traditional rulers and other Elites who represented the people of the Northwest Region.
The PPRD is aimed at reversing the situation of hardship experienced by the local population, " it is a program of hope, hope to have shelter, education, acess to healthcare, and hope for economic revival" he added.
The City Mayor to the Bamenda City Council, Achombang Tambeng Paul, said the Governor has been adequately informed about the challenges of the people in the region and noted that the Minister's coming to the region demonstrated a level of high commitment and unflinching love for development.
The City Mayor reminded the Minister that the Reconstruction plan cannot be fully effective if the salary situation of teachers in the private sector is not looked into.
" The plight of thousand teachers who have gone without salaries for months, especially those of the Private sector, whose salaries gotten have been terribly slashed, please remember them in your reconstruction envelope".Achombang Tambeng Paul pleaded.
"PWD goes international, regrettably without a play ground, adequate provision should be made for the reconstruction of the Bamenda stadium and the state of the road, which is the gateway into the Northwest region is a sorry site, which needs to be looked into" he added.
The Anglophone crisis started in November of 2016 has destroyed homes, bridges, hospitals, markets, schools with other properties, burnt and several lives have been lost.
Mayor of Tubah
"All the infrastructure is down but with the coming of the Minister, there is hope. If we convey the right messages, the projects initiated will last long" Mayor Tanjong Martin of Tubah municipality said.
Mayor of Bafut
The Mayor of Bafut, Ngwakongoh Lawrence saluted the initiative and said he will begin calling on the people of Bafut to welcome the reconstruction process.
"When I asked them to return, they told me they have no homes, no shelter. This is a move in the right direction", Ngwakongoh noted.
In the days ahead the Coordinator of the PPRD and his team will be receiving reports and proposals from the Divisional commissions that make up the Northwest Region.