NW, SW reconstruction: PM Dion Ngute chairs 6th follow-up c’ttee meeting in Buea today.

The envoy of the Head of State, Paul Biya, arrived Buea yesterday, ahead of the 6th Steering Committee Session of the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West Regions, PPRD-NW/SW.

The Star Building occupant and his delegation were treated to an enthusiastic welcome by administrative, municipal, traditional authorities, elite and a large crowd of the population. 

Dion Ngute, it should be said, is the supervisory authority of the reconstruction plan, which is a spinoff of the Major National Dialogue, which he chaired in 2019, with aim of seeking solutions to the crisis rocking the two English-speaking Regions. 

The meeting is expected to be attended by members of the reconstruction plan, led by the Steering Committee Chairperson, Minister Paul Njukang Tasong, and the National Coordinator of the PPRD-NW/SW, Motuba Tamanjong Obase.

The Regional Chairperson of the Follow-up Committee, Governor Bernard Okalia Bilai, alongside other local development officials, as well as key stakeholders, are also expected to be part of the meeting. 

The crucial reconstruction follow-up meeting is expected to serve as a platform to evaluate progress made so far and chart the way forward for more gains. 

Enthusiastic reception 

The Prime Minister and son of the South West Region, was accorded a warm and enthusiastic welcome by the population and local authorities at the entrance to the Region, at the Mungo Bridge.

The PM’s convoy also made a stop at the Tiko Roundabout, where large crowd had turned out to salute his exploits in ensuring peace returns to the North West and South West Regions. The convoy then proceeded to Mutengene, where the PM was also greeted with huge crowd of locals. 

Upon arriving Buea, the motorcade made a stop at the Mile 17 bus station, before driving towards the Checkpoint neighbourhood and later the historic Bongo Square.

The Prime Minister was also given a kingly reception, through traditional dances, when he finally arrived Mountain Hotel. 

While in Buea, the PM, we gathered, will grant audiences to key stakeholders of the Region. He is also expected to attend a meeting organised by the ruling Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM, party. 

Zoom on gains of reconstruction plan 

Earlier this year, strides made in rebuilding the conflict-hit English-speaking Regions of the country, through the reconstruction plan, was saluted by the Field Representative of the Islamic Development Bank, IsDB, in Cameroon, Muhammadou Awal.

This was during the Islamic Development Bank and PPRD mid-term review of projects realised in the two English-speaking Regions. 

Projects have been ongoing under the three pillars of the plan, including reconstruction of infrastructure, revitalisation of the local economy, and the restoration of social cohesion.

Projects include rehabilitation of hospitals, schools, markets, churches, water supply, donation of farm inputs, and organisation of sociocultural events.

To ensure social cohesion and peace building, the PPRD-NW/SW is also ensuring that socio-cultural activities; including peace, dialogue, sports, and festivals are implemented. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3459 of Friday May 30, 2025