Nanga-Eboko: Minister Bidoung Mkpatt rallies population to thank Biya for ultramodern market.

Huge crowds of the population from all walks of life rallied by the member of government turned out to witness the inauguration of the state-of-the-art ultramodern commercial centre.

It was officially inaugurated and put to use by the Minister of Decentralisation and Local Development, Georges Elanga Obam, Wednesday, September 4.

Present at the ceremony was the Director General of the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance, FEICOM, Philippe Camille Akoa; the Governor of the Centre Region, Naseri Paul Bea; other elite, administrative, traditional and religious authorities of the area. 

Supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement, CPDM party, mobilised by Minister Bidoung Mkpatt from all sections of the party in the Division, also massively answered present to witness the inauguration of the giant project realised under the guidance of their party’s national champion cum Head of State, Paul Biya. 

The modern commercial facility, many locals stated, is fruit of President Biya’s vision of taking development to local communities. 

They said the market will stimulate trade and boost economic growth of Nanga-Eboko in particular and the Upper Sanaga Division as a whole.

The project, funded by the FEICOM to the tune of closed to 500 million FCFA, the population averred, testifies government’s commitment to improve local infrastructure, provide sustainable platforms for boom in economic activities and improve on the living conditions of the population. 

Market to boost to local trade

Speaking at the event, Minister Elanga Obam said the market designed to boost economic growth falls in line with the National Development Strategy, NDS2020-2030, put in place by the government. 

“This market will not only create jobs but will also be a catalyst for local economic development,” he stated.

The minister said the project reflects government’s determination to enhance the trade sector as a key driver of the local and national economy.

The market, Minister Elanga Obam highlighted, aligns with Sustainable Development Goal No.8, which seeks to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth. 

Details of modern market 

Designed to meet all modern standards of hygiene and functionality, the market is made up of over 100 stores, a hangar with butchery counters, gender-specific toilet blocks, and a drinking water supply system. The facility is also disability inclusive to ease accessibility.  

Market to better condition of traders 

In his speech, the Director General of FEICOM, Camille Akoa, said the market will better the situation of traders who were hitherto carrying out their activities in thatched sheds. 

He explained that the project was designed not only to provide a venue for local vendors but also to contribute in a long-term to the growth of Nanga-Eboko by boosting trade and improving access to essential services. 

Camille Akoa described the construction of the Nanga-Eboko market as a strategic investment economic future of the Centre Region. 

Made up of cobblestone paving and reinforced concrete for carriageways and pedestrian walkways, Camille Akoa said the market is designed for durability and easy access. 

He said it also has a water supply system and external toilet blocks for both vendors and visitors to enjoy a clean and safe environment.

Nanga-Eboko mayor hails elite

Taking the cue, the Mayor of Nanga-Eboko, Romain Roland Eto, thanked the Minister of Arts and Culture for his significant strides to ensure the growth of the locality and the Division as a whole.

The market, the municipal authority said, is a significant achievement for the entire community. 

He proudly acknowledged that the market will be of huge benefit to the close to 105 villages that make up Nanga-Eboko while expressing profound appreciation to the Head of State, President Paul Biya, for his leadership.

Roland Eto used the event to publicly called on the President to consider standing for re-election in 2025 to the applause of the mammoth crowd.

Locals, traders express gratitude gov’t 

The population of the area, especially traders who will in the days ahead begin enjoying the modern market, expressed their gratitude to the Head of State for keeping to his promises and making the project a reality. 

The representative the traders, Shindou Appolinaire, thanked President Biya for the facility. He also acknowledged the critical role of Minister Bidoung Mkpatt and other elite to ensure the completion of the project.

Like Oliver Twist, Appolinaire appealed on government make use of the available space on the site to build more commercial complexes to meet the growing needs residents. 

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue N0:3221 of Friday September 6, 2024