The third edition of the construction exhibition, dubbed “Batimaide”, is underway in Douala.

Actors in the building construction sector are showcasing technologies, materials, modern housing designs and various construction tools at the premises of the Party House in Bonanjo, Douala. The exhibition, which has brought together professionals in the sector of housing, is a part of measures in line with the Prime Minister’s prescriptions in 2008 that all public buildings, R+1 building inclusive, be constructed wholly in local materials.

Grace Ndoumbe, Co-organiser of the exhibition, situated its purpose within the context that comfortable, decent, affordable, durable and environmentally-friendly housing constitutes the fundamental rights of all human beings. It was important to bring together the different expertise in the sector in order to promote quality living within an architectural context, she explained.

With the collaboration of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MINDUH), Batimaide seeks to encourage more acquisition, construction of low-cost housing and also to ensure that low-income households in the country benefit from the scheme.

Beginning April 12 until 19 when the exhibition is expected to round up, on stands are found a blends of astute designs, made-easy technologies like machineries, modern moulders, colourful but durable tiles, as well as toiletries and baths all describing the changing world of professional construction and creative architectural decorations said to be all affordable even to low-income families.

Curious Douala public made rounds with the Secretary General to the littoral Governor’s Office, Tchoffo Sa’ah Maurice, MINDUH Littoral Delegate; Ahmadou Sardouna and Batimaide organisers taking pulse of the exhibitions. This came shortly after the official opening ceremony by the Secretary General at the Conference Hall of the Party House in Bonanjo last Friday, April 13, 2012.