Deliberations to find solutions were held during the execution of the Public Investment Budget in the South West Region.

The Ministry of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, has evaluated the execution of the Public Investment Budget, PIB, for the South West Regional projects. The occasion took place on July 24, 2014 at the Buea Council Hall.

Speaking during the occasion, the Regional Governor of the South West, Bernard Okalia Bilai, said that last year the execution rate of projects was 51 per cent and it deprived the region of many vital projects. He added that the projects are needed for the development and wellbeing of the grassroot population. He called on all stakeholders to have good management of public budget and to critically look at the problems before proposing solutions objectively and with honesty.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Nhon Ngujede Ngole Robert, outlined some problems which hampered projects in the region. He said the execution rate of the public investment budget was below 24 per cent. That, he explained, was due to the fact that contractors wait for payment before they begin execution. “Most of them do not have equipment or material to start and this leads to delay and poor road network,” he explained.

Besides, he also blamed most contractors for being adventurers as well as the late award of contracts. After deliberations, it was recommended that contractors should stop being adventurers and do feasibility studies before tendering to execute a contract.

The chairman said there are still a number of contracts to be executed but contractors should know that any contract taken during the rainy season must be executed. Given that rains are heavy in Buea, he warned, the contractors should not complain. He called on all committee members to sit up and be informed.