The process for the sale of newly constructed low-cost houses in Cameroon is about to begin. It is for this reason that an inter-ministerial delegation visited the construction site in Olembe, a neighbourhood located in the outskirts of Yaounde, on Monday May 13, 2013.The visit was in line with the instructions of the Head of State and the supervision of the Prime Minister, Head of Government for the sale of 1,675 houses constructed under the first phase of government’s programme
to construct 10,000 low-cost houses and to prepare over 50,000 parcels of land. The visit which saw the participation of members of government was led by the Minister of Urban Development and Housing, Jean-Claude Mbwentchou accompanied by the Secretary of State in charge of Housing, Marie Rose Dibong.
It was an opportunity for the members of government and partners to evaluate the state of advancement of the project. Out of the 1,675 housing units which are ready for sale, 500 are in Olembe in Yaounde while 1,175 are in Mbanga Bakoko in the Littoral Region. The 500 in Yaounde are being constructed by 13 local companies. Four buildings with 80 houses are already completed in Olembe and ready for sale while two contactors responsible for the construction of two other buildings had their contracts cancelled for not providing satisfactory results.
Speaking to the press, Minister Mbwentchou said although the first houses are ready for sale, they are not yet habitable as amenities such as water and electricity supply as well as access roads are not yet available. According to the Minister, the Ministry of Public Contracts had awarded a contract to the Razel Company to construct access roads which are expected to be ready after six months. The prices, according to sources from the Ministry of Urban Development and Housing, will range from FCFA 17 million to FCFA 23 million per flat. Jean Claude Mbwentchou said by end of June 2013, the committee in charge of the sale of flats will deliver its first reports to the hierarchy. The Minister also said the prices will be made official by the end of June 2013.
The committee in charge of the sale of flats which is presided over by Marie Rose Dibong is mapping out the criteria for sales. The criteria will also be made official by end of June 2013. It should be noted that the government is out to create a revolving fund. As a result, funds that will be collected from the sale of the first houses will be used for the construction of other houses.
