The mayor of Bamenda City Council, Achobong Tambeng Paul, has pledged further infrastructure development in three rural communities following a visit to Chomba, Nsongwa, and Mbatu.
The visit, held at the Chomba Fon’s Palace Plaza on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, was at the invitation of residents who gathered to express their appreciation for the recently completed road works linking the three neighbouring villages on the outskirts of Bamenda.
Mayor Achobong said the improvements were part of ongoing efforts to enhance accessibility in the area. “We have just done what the city mayor can do to make these roads passable, and we are proud of it,” he said. “But if the population continues to support Paul Biya, better roads, tarred roads, are on the way.”
He added that he would relay the community’s message of support to the national leadership, stating that residents had “vowed to stand by the head of state all the way.”
Return After Years of Displacement
The visit also marked an emotional return for the First Deputy Mayor, Ndoh David Chi, who had fled Chomba in 2020 at the height of the Anglophone crisis. Addressing residents, he recounted how violence forced him and his family to flee. “For more than six years, I have not been here,” he said. “What has happened is in the past; we are turning a new page, one of peace, unity, and love.”
He called on communities to embrace reconciliation, stressing that sustainable development depends on stability. “Without peace, there will never be meaningful and lasting development,” he added, while praising the city mayor for facilitating the road projects.
Traditional Authority Welcomes “Rebirth”
The Fon of Chomba, Fon Asanji II, described the occasion as a turning point for the community. “This is the rebirth of Chomba,” he said. “We are grateful for the roads, but this is just the beginning.”
He noted that improved road access would strengthen economic ties between rural communities and Bamenda but also appealed for further support, particularly in restoring non-functional schools in the area.
Women Traders Raise Market Concerns
While welcoming the developments, local businesswomen used the occasion to highlight the ongoing challenges they face in accessing markets under the city council's control. Speaking on their behalf, Rose Bih Moma said traders, especially garri producers, face repeated eviction when attempting to sell their goods in Bamenda.
“Everywhere we go, we are chased away,” she said. “We are asking for a befitting place where we can sell our products peacefully.”
In response, City Mayor Achobong Tambeng Paul urged the women to form a delegation to meet with city council officials after the upcoming events, including the Pope’s visit, to discuss possible solutions with market authorities.
It is worth noting that the road opening and maintenance works in Chomba, Nsongwa, and Mbatu are among several local initiatives aimed at restoring normalcy in parts of the North-West Region affected by years of unrest. As calm gradually returns, both officials and residents say the focus is shifting toward rebuilding infrastructure, reviving local economies, and strengthening community ties.
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