The Bamenda City Council has reported a project execution rate of over 80 percent for 2025, with expectations of hitting 90 percent once delayed heavy-duty equipment arrives from Douala.
The disclosure was made by City Mayor Tembeng Paul Achobong during the Council’s Midterm Evaluation Session on Friday, August 22, 2025.
Tembeng Paul Achobong, Mayor of Bamenda City Council, Addressing Councillors.Mayor Achobong outlined key achievements, including more than seven kilometres of double surface dressing, 25,000 square meters of surfacing, the construction of drainage and a dam, and rapid progress on the reconstruction of the Bamenda Main Market, which is now 80 percent complete.
Ghost Towns Cripple Revenue Collection
Despite these achievements, the Mayor lamented the council’s financial difficulties, blaming them on insecurity and civil disobedience. The weekly ghost town, he said, has severely reduced revenue streams.
“When somebody is in a ghost town, he doesn’t pay taxes, he doesn’t pay his dues,” Achobong explained. He added that slaughterhouse fees, cattle market levies, and building permit payments have all dropped, with cow thefts and insecurity discouraging traders from using official markets.
Municipal Stadium Dispute Resurfaces
Another hot-button issue was the fate of the Bamenda Municipal Stadium, abandoned for close to a decade under FECAFOOT’s custody. Councillors resolved to intensify pressure by imposing a 100 million FCFA monthly fine if FECAFOOT fails to return the facility.
In the meantime, the mayor unveiled plans for a modern sports complex with football, basketball, volleyball, and handball facilities, reassuring residents that temporary construction work at the site will soon give way to permanent upgrades.
Call for Protection of Contractors and Equipment
The Senior Divisional Officer (SDO) for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, urged councillors to collaborate with security forces to safeguard the equipment and personnel of BUNS Road Construction Company. He warned that insecurity could jeopardize upcoming road projects.
“The councillors are supposed to be the eyes and ears of the city mayor. If the project fails, then it is the councillor who has failed,” the SDO cautioned.
He also appealed to the media to help sensitize the public to protect contractors and step up vigilance against kidnappings and sabotage.
Citizens Urged to Prepare for October Elections
In closing, Simon Emile Mooh lauded the city council’s efforts and reminded citizens of their civic duty ahead of Cameroon’s October 12, 2025, presidential elections, urging them to collect voter cards and remain peaceful.
A City Pushing Forward Amid Adversity
The midterm review underscored the resilience of the Bamenda City Council in driving forward infrastructure development despite the twin challenges of financial strain and insecurity. From the market reconstruction to long-awaited stadium reforms, the council’s progress, though fragile, signals determination to rebuild a city scarred by crisis.
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