The Regional President of United Councils and Cities of Cameroon, UCCC for the North West Denis Awoh Ndang has challenged his colleagues; mayors and councillors of the region to prepare to pilot the industrialisation of the region.
Speaking during a meeting of Mayors of the North West in Bamenda April 14, the regional boss of UCCC disclosed that there are plans by the government to accelerate an industrialisation plan of decentralized structures in the Region.
Meeting with his colleagues for the second time after his election in 2021, Denis Awoh told his peers that attending a symposium in Yaounde recently which focused on supporting the decentralisation agenda of Cameroon through local economic development gave him reason to believe that councils can drive the industrialisation process of Cameroon.
“If there is one thing I got from the symposium, it will be that some countries have adopted, One-Village-One Industry approach that might be so advanced for us but we can start from somewhere. So, I’m proposing that the North-West Region should adopt the One-Municipality-One-Industry Approach. So, my humble proposal to us the Mayors today is that, next time we meet we should each be able to present an industry that can be developed in our municipality. That way, we can as a team start sourcing for funds for feasibility studies and eventual realization. Mind you, the industry can be piloted by the council as well as by the elites of that municipality but let the mayor be the guiding force behind the industry.” Denis said
Despite the indebtedness of many councils in the region as lamented by many municipal authorities, UCCC President is positive that the industrialisation projects if implemented will generate quick revenue for municipalities in the region. This he added can prevent the youth from picking up arms.
Reacting on the subject, the Mayor of Nkambe, Musa Shey Nfor described the proposal as appropriate. According to him, his municipality has been working in this area. He corroborated the UCCC President, stating that his council stands out as a model in activities that empower the youth. “Nkambe in Dunga Mantung Division has a strong potential for agriculture oriented industries. Reports from Nkambe confirm huge council investments in the sector”, Shey Musa assured.
Created in 2003, the United Councils and Cities of Cameroon (UCCC), brings together all councils in the country with the vision to contribute in consolidating decentralisation and become an advisory organ of the institutional framework of decentralisation and local development.
WIFAH J. NDE
