The Bamenda City Council has recorded a financial surplus for the 2025 fiscal year, alongside notable progress in infrastructure and public service delivery, according to the Administrative Accounts presented Monday, April 13, 2026, at the Bamenda I Council Hall.
Presenting the memorandum to councillors, City Mayor Achobong Tambeng Paul announced that total revenue collection stood at 3.1 billion CFA francs. In comparison, total expenditure reached 2.97 billion CFA francs, leaving a carry-forward surplus of approximately 129 million CFA francs into the 2026 financial year. The figures reflect a municipality that is gradually stabilizing its finances while addressing past obligations and investing in development.
A closer look at the revenue structure shows that recurrent income formed the backbone of the council’s finances, contributing nearly 1.95 billion CFA francs. This was complemented by 286 million CFA francs in investment revenue and 218 million CFA francs recorded under financial movements. The council also benefited from a substantial carry-forward of over 655 million CFA francs from the previous year.
Overall revenue realization stood at 62 percent, with recurrent revenue slightly outperforming the average at 64 percent. Investment revenue, however, declined to 14.3 percent, marking a noticeable drop compared to 2024.
On the expenditure side, the city council reported 842.7 million CFA francs in recurrent spending and 857.5 million CFA francs in investment expenditure, totalling 1.7 billion CFA francs in direct spending for 2025. In addition to these commitments, the council settled outstanding debts amounting to 1.27 billion CFA francs accumulated between 2022 and 2024, pushing total expenditure to 2.97 billion CFA francs. Overall expenditure execution stood at 34 percent, with a stronger emphasis on investment, which accounted for 41 percent of spending compared to 28 percent for recurrent needs.
Beyond the figures, the accounts highlighted tangible improvements across the city’s infrastructure. Mayor Achobong described 2025 as a “catch-up year,” noting that several delayed projects had been fast-tracked. He pointed to the construction of a dam and reservoir near Governor’s Junction as a key intervention aimed at strengthening the water supply. Road rehabilitation also featured prominently, with works carried out along major axes and within neighbourhoods such as Mulang, Mankon, and Mendankwe. The renovation of the grandstand at Commercial Avenue and the acquisition of heavy-duty machinery, including an excavator and a compactor, further underscored the council’s commitment to urban development.
Some projects remain in progress, including the construction of a box culvert in Upper New GRA and the installation of electrical transformers in several localities. These ongoing efforts, according to city authorities, are expected to enhance accessibility and improve service delivery once completed.
Speaking shortly after the session, Mayor Achobong emphasized that the council’s work goes beyond financial reporting, insisting that visible changes across Bamenda are evidence of active governance. He called on residents to adopt a stronger sense of civic responsibility, particularly in maintaining sanitation, protecting public infrastructure, and ensuring the sustainable use of water and electricity. He also revealed plans for a door-to-door waste collection system, which he said would significantly improve hygiene and position Bamenda among the cleanest cities in the country.
The mayor also addressed preparations for the anticipated visit of the Pope, describing it as both a spiritual and administrative milestone for the city. He explained that funds initially allocated for the rehabilitation of the airport road had been reassigned after intervention from the central government. The council has instead redirected those resources toward complementary projects, including the acquisition of a 250 KVA standby generator for the airport, rehabilitation of the Mile One–Moyo road corridor, and improvements in water supply through a newly drilled borehole. Efforts are equally focused on sanitation and logistical arrangements to ensure the city is adequately prepared to receive international visitors.
In his closing remarks, Simon Emile Mooh, senior divisional officer for Mezam, praised councillors for unanimously adopting the administrative and management accounts, noting that the process reflected diligence and transparency. He highlighted the recorded surplus as a positive indicator of sound financial management and urged councillors to remain mobilized, particularly in the lead-up to the Pope’s visit.
Comments
Post a Comment