The Bamenda City Council has received 25 new tricycles aimed at improving waste management and urban sanitation, in a move authorities say is both timely and symbolic ahead of a high-profile papal visit.
The handover ceremony, which took place on Tuesday, April 14, 2026, at the Bamenda Commercial Avenue grandstand, forms part of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West regions (PPRD), an initiative launched by Paul Biya following the Major National Dialogue.
Government Push for Cleanliness
Addressing residents at the event, Adolphe Lele Lafrique, North West governor, said the donation reflects ongoing government efforts to restore infrastructure and improve living conditions in the region. He described the tricycles as a practical step toward strengthening hygiene services, noting that Bamenda had seen visible transformation under the PPRD.
“This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Head of State to support the region in multiple sectors,” he said, while urging city authorities to ensure the equipment is used effectively.
The governor also issued a strong call for immediate clean-up operations across the city, particularly along routes expected to be used by Pope Leo XIV during his anticipated visit on 16 April, 2026, in Bamenda.
Temporary structures, abandoned vehicles, and roadside stalls marked for demolition must be cleared without delay, the regional chief executive officer said, adding that inspections would begin the following morning under local administrative supervision.
Achobong Tambeng Paul, City Mayor, Bamenda City Council.Mayor Calls for Renewal
The mayor of Bamenda City Council, Achobong Tambeng Paul, welcomed the donation, describing it as “a gift of light” and a turning point for the city. He called on residents to move beyond the hardships of recent years and embrace a future defined by unity and development.
“The past is gone. What matters now is what we choose to build,” he said, urging citizens to abandon practices such as illegal dumping and to participate actively in maintaining cleanliness.
The city mayor pledged that the tricycles would be deployed for door-to-door waste collection, helping eliminate garbage from the streets and improving overall sanitation.
Buinda Godlove Nsakabo, North West regional Delegate for MINEPAT.Part of Broader Reconstruction Plan
According to Buinda Godlove Nsakabo, the North West regional delegate of economy, planning, and regional development, the donation responds to growing concerns about the deteriorating sanitary conditions in Bamenda, exacerbated by years of socio-political unrest.
He explained that the PPRD continues to support reconstruction across multiple sectors, including schools, hospitals, roads, and agriculture, with sanitation now a key priority. “The city has experienced setbacks, but efforts are underway to restore it,” he said, adding that the timing of the donation aligns with preparations to host an important international visitor.
Governor Adolphe Lele Lafrique, Testing the Tricycle Before Handing Over.A City Preparing for Change
The initiative underscores renewed efforts by local and national authorities to reposition Bamenda as a clean and welcoming urban center.
With the expected arrival of the pope drawing global attention, officials say the success of the sanitation drive will depend not only on government action but also on community participation.
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