Multi-million infrastructural projects are dotted across the peninsula, although much still remains to be done.
14 August, 2013 reminds Cameroonians of an indelible milestone in history; a day when Cameroon took unreserved control of the Bakassi peninsula in accordance with the June 12, 2006 UN-brokered Greentree Accord. Since then, and even before, government’s keen attention to develop the area and make it habitable is typified in infrastructure development.
During a recent on-the-spot appraisal by Cameroon Tribune in the five maritime Sub-Divisions (Kombo Abedimo, Kombo Itindi, Isangele, Idabato and Bamusso), that make up the 50,000 populated zone, sectors like schools, health centres, administrative services, among others, have witnessed impressive transformation.
“From 2007 to 2014, the State has invested more than FCFA 30 billion in all Bakassi. And when one evaluates the State’s investments since 2007, there is no year that the government has invested less than FCFA 1.5 billion in the Bakassi zone,” reveals Chief Fotsop Dominic Yenai Asaah, Divisional Delegate, MINEPAT, Ndian. Even critics do acknowledge that commendable efforts have been made in the transportation sector. At first, access to Bakassi was only through the maritime sector, either through Idenau in Fako Division or Ekondo Titi in Ndian division.
The 72 kilometres Mundemba – Isangele – Akwa earth road, constructed by the Military Engineering Corps has not only eased transportation but is the only access road into Bakassi from the mainland. The road, though in deplorable condition due to heavy rainfall, now links up three Sub Divisions of the peninsula namely Mundemba, Isangele and Kombo Abedimo.
Statistics on the field attest that the State has invested more than FCFA one billion for water and energy in the zone. One can see street lights powered by solar energy but not working. Many boreholes have been constructed especially in Isangele and Akwa, but none is functioning. “The main problem we are facing is that of water and electricity. Contracts for these projects have been awarded in Yaounde to people who do not master the terrain. The water project in Akwa has cost the State more than FCFA 500 million but we have no drop of water to drink,” regrets Aboko Patrick Anki, Mayor of Kombo Abedimo.
This notwithstanding, the Ministries of Basic and Secondary Education and that of Vocational Training are the three main ministries that have conspicuous school structures alongside staff premises. Health centres have either been constructed or are undergoing construction alongside residences for staff. Modern administrative buildings and residences for civil servants do not only catch the eye especially in Akwa, but are the envy of administrators in areas out of Bakassi.
Bakassi is highly priced with the exploitation of fish. As such, the State programmed ice producing units in Isangele, Bamusso and Idabato. The State has also invested billions in the training of fishermen and fish mongers who will populate the fish-rich area. Fish festivals in Bekumu and Akwa have been organized to build the fishing capacity of the population.
Difficulties Worth Surmounting
Unfortunately, some challenges abound. In the area of communication, Bakassi can boast of a private mobile telephone network patchily received. Nigerian radio waves still beam through the area and the UNESCO-subsidized Bakassi FM (in Isangele) went dysfunctional in 2014 blown by thunder. In spite of government’s heightened attention, two major problems continue to stare the people in the face namely the lack of potable water and electricity. Another major task is to people Bakassi and encourage indigenes to be interested in fishing.
