About 60 companies that participated expressed satisfaction with the public’s enthusiasm.

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

Besides the exhibition, stakeholders in the housing sector shared experience on enhancing the sector and making more houses and housing material affordable to the public. With just about FCFA 3.5 million, it was said a two-bed room house with internal kitchen and toilet can be acquired. According to one of the organisers, Grace Ndoumbe, low-cost housing is necessary as owning a house remains a fundamental right of every human being,

The forum was organised in collaboration with the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing (MINDUH) with the objective of encouraging more acquisition and construction of low-cost houses and also to ensure that low-income families in the country own homes.

For eight days, the public had opportunity to directly ask questions to staff of companies about their products, prices and how to raise funds to construct a house. One of the highlights of the event was the remarkable presence at the exhibition ground of young people. Their enthusiasm went far beyond just catching a glimpse of the technologies on display. They sought for information on employment opportunities and also on how to build houses with little means.

The forum that was opened by the Secretary General in 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.