Islamic Dev’t Bank salutes reconstruction strides in South West.

Muhammadou made the assessment January 30 in Buea, during the Islamic Development Bank and PPRD mid-term review of projects realised in the South West Region.

Speaking at the event, officials said work has been done in terms of reconstructing infrastructure, revitalising the economy and promoting social cohesion and peace building.

A representative of the implementing partner of the project, United Nations Development Program, UNDP, presented the state of the implementation of projects funded by IsDB.

After following the presentations, the IsDB Field Representative expressed satisfaction with the work done. 

“I am impressed with all the presentations related to all the infrastructure, social cohesion and economic recovery in progress; I think we will complete our project on time,” he said.

He later visited project sites, stating that: “We are happy to visit some sites for the project because we know that this project is important to the government and for IsDB. The implementing partner, UNDP is doing a fantastic job and we hope to continue working with them”.

The meeting brought together key stakeholders including mayors whose municipalities are benefiting from the project, religious, political and administrative authorities.

The Mayor of  Mundemba Council in Ndian Division, Ekenue Samuel Osang, said his people are satisfied with projects realised with funding from IsDB. Osang lauded the UNDP for involving local authorities in the project.

“We have had the reconstruction of a school and a borehole with public taps that supply water to the local community thanks to the IsDB. The project for the Women Empowerment Centre is yet to be launched,” Osang stated.

With support of IsDB, officials said the South West Region will witness the reconstruction of 56 schools, 24 health facilities, 21 water points, two bridges and five community centres.

In line with revitalising the local economy, it was said that some 475 farms have also been planned for rehabilitated, 50 farmers cooperatives to be strengthened, 221 agro pastoral initiatives catalogued to receive benefits. Other projects are 12 markets to be reconstructed and 150 small businesses to be revived.

To ensure social cohesion and peace building, the PPRD-NW/SW partnership with the IsDB it was said will ensure that 11 socio-cultural activities including peace dialogues, sports, and festivals are supported. 

In the same vein, seven youth and women empowerment centres will be made operational. To note that the IsDB has a multibillion deal with the reconstruction plan that will run till 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3359 of Tuesday February 04, 2025