According to reports presented at the occasion, regional tax collection efforts witnessed a FCFA 5 billion increase in 2011 while the customs department also saw its annual income increase, despite the high incidence of smuggling. The presentations of the Treasurer, Pay Master General and the Finance Controller revealed that 2010 was a successful year in the region as capital investment projects reached 95 per cent completion rate while revenue collection in all the domains witnessed an increase.
While presiding at the launching ceremony, Governor Abakar Ahamat congratulated the various revenue collectors, urging them to keep the flame burning. He said the 2011 regional budget will go a long way to foster meaningful development as well as improve on the livelihoods of the people. Governor Abakar Ahamat did not mince words when he warned unscrupulous contractors and engineers who abandon contracts. He cautioned all those in the Public Investment Budget, PIB, chain to respect the rules. He expressed regret at the poor implementation of most government contracts as a result of the stipulation that they be awarded to the lowest bidder; thus giving room for corruption.
He equally lamented the fact that all projects are awarded at the level of Yaoundé, thus rendering regional authorities powerless in monitoring the activities of some contractors. He said some control engineers already know who will win a particular contract before it is awarded. He recounted cases where contractors win contracts without knowing the places where they will be implemented, as well as those who endorse contract completion documents in their offices without going to the field to ascertain that the job was well done. Consequently, he advised such people to desist from such practices as 2011 will not be business as usual.
