About 60 companies that participated were satisfied with public enthusiasm.

The third edition of the construction exhibition forum called Batimaide, organised at the Bonanjo Party House in Douala, rounded up on April 19 on a note of satisfaction. The approximately 60 companies participating showcased products like toiletries, machines, compressed earth bricks, furniture, and various models and plans for modern, cheap, and quality houses.

Beside the exhibition, stakeholders in the housing sector exchanged views to ameliorate the sector and make more houses and housing materials affordable to the public. With just about FCFA 3.5 million, it was said a house of about two rooms, with an internal kitchen and toilet can be afforded. Low-cost housing is necessary as a respect of the fundamental right of every human being, according to one of the organisers, Grace Ndoumbe.

It was organised with the collaboration of the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MINDUH) with the purpose to encourage more acquisition, construction of low-cost housing and also to ensure that low-income households in the country have access to their own houses.

For eight days, the public had opportunity to directly ask questions to staff of companies, discover their prices and how to raise funds to construct a house.

Particular about the exhibition was the remarkable presence at the exhibition ground by young people. Their enthusiasm went far beyond just catching a glimpse of the technologies on exhibition, but to seek information that will help them build houses even with the little money they have as well as seek job opportunities.

The forum, which was opened by the Secretary General to the littoral Governor’s Office, Tchoffo Sa’ah Maurice, in the presence of MINDUH Littoral Delegate; Ahmadou Sardouna, was closed by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Jean Claude Mbwentchou.