Among the divisions, Ndian bags the highest number with 118 projects, Lebialem 76, Manyu 67 and Kupe Muanenguba 61. Administrative and financial authorities from various divisions in the region recently marked the commencement of this year’s expenditure and project execution in what is known as budget launch at the National Insurance Fund hall in Buea.
Speaking on the occasion, Handerson Quetong Kongeh, Permanent Secretary in the South West Governor’s Office, explained that this year’s budget has been programmed to fit into the ‘Greater Achievements’ policy of President Paul Biya as a programme budget unlike in the past when vote holders were allocated money before thinking of what to do with it. Handerson underscored the challenges of this year in the South West Region as including the hosting of celebrations of the Golden Jubilee of Cameroon’s reunification billed for Buea, the Mount Cameroon Race of Hope, university games to be held in Buea, and other projects.
The Permanent Secretary called for probity on the part of vote holders as well as contractors so that the population can benefit directly and satisfactorily from State initiatives. He warned against excessive ‘mutual agreements’ in contract awards, urging that such be considered only in extreme cases. On his part, the Regional Finance Controller, Ernest Bokandjo, prayed for strict respect of regulations while the Paymaster, Peter Ayuk, urged contractors not to wait until the last moment to throng the treasury for payment.
