NW, SW reconstruction: PM says Islamic Development Bank support marks new era in push for peace.

The Prime Minister made the observation Monday December 18. This was during a ceremony in Yaounde to launch the IsDB support project of the PPRD-NW/SW.  The support project spans three years (2023-2026). It is expected to see a fresh phase of activities in at least 47 municipalities.
Speaking at the event attended by members of government, development partners and other stakeholders, Dion Ngute said the launching of the IsDB component of PPRD-NW/SW also reiterates President Paul Biya’s commitment to see peace return to the affected regions.
The over 21 billion FCFA from the IsDB, he said, will play a key role in boosting access to basic social services and the empowerment of communities through income-generating activities. The PM described the IsDB as a privileged development partner in President Paul Biya’s National Development Strategy, SND30. The PPRD-NW/SW for which the Islamic Development Bank is the highest contributor so far, the Prime Minister said, is a major component of SND30.
With reconstruction being a priority of the government, the Prime Minister said, the financing from the IsDB also demonstrates that it is possible to rebuild in crisis zones. He added that since 2020, government has, through support from partners, realised several projects such those relating to the organisation of numerous socio-cultural activities, construction and rehabilitation of schools, health centres and water supply systems.
He urged the National Coordination of the PPRD-NW/SW to ensure “expedient implementation” of the Islamic Development Bank support to increase the spread of activities in the affected regions. The Head of Government declared that the reconstruction plan is an instrument in the service of peace among other measures which government has been taking to ensure normalcy returns in the English-speaking regions.
For the Minister of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Alamine Ousman Mey, who spoke to reporters after the exercise, the IsDB support will boost the drive towards inclusive emergence of Cameroon.

He said the basket projects to be realised through support from the IsDB will reinforce “living together that is very dear not only to the people of the two regions and the entire nation but also the Head of State”.
The Islamic Development Bank Group Field Representative for Cameroon, Mohamadou Awal, described the launch of activities through his institution’s support for reconstruction as a historic milestone. 
While saluting government for coming up with what he said is an ambitious  project to better the lives of a people battered by crisis in the  North West and  South West Regions, the IsDB official took interest in the priority given to women, children and youth.
Mohamadou said PPRD-NW/SW is a scheme that will also hasten peace and reconciliation. He said his institution is open to supporting government alongside other stakeholders in ensuring success in implementation and the attainment of desired results.
He recalled that the IsDB has offered diverse funding for 112 projects in Cameroon since 1975 when it was created, beginning with the Songloulou Damp in the Sanaga Maritime Division in the Littoral Region.  
Mohamadou also mentioned the Rice Value Chain Project already on course and appealed to government to finish procedures for the inter-connected electricity supply project to Chad for which funding had long been made available.
The United Nations Development programme, UNDP, which is the implementing partner, is said to have so far awarded contracts worth 1.5 billion FCFA in the affected regions. The institution is said to be planning to hit an award threshold of 2.5 billion FCFA before the year runs out.