Ndu Council adopts ambitious 1.2 billion FCFA budget for 2026.

Municipal councillors, during the session, deliberated and adopted the sum of over 1.2 billion FCFA balanced in revenue and expenditure as budget for the 2026 financial year. 

Mayor Abdou Kanfon, in his address during the session, detailed that the budget will be used to fast-track the crucial pillars of Ndu’s transformation strategy.

He cited the development of key infrastructural projects like road, provision of potable water, economic revitalisation, transparency in management and youth empowerment. 

Major roads envisaged

The municipal authority stressed that improving road connectivity remains central to unlocking economic activity, facilitating access to markets, healthcare, and education, and reducing the overall cost of transportation.

He added that reliable roads open up opportunities for investment and contribute to the long-term growth of all villages within the municipality.

Among earmarked road projects for 2026, the mayor mentioned the opening of the Mbajeng-Njimnkang Road to the tune of 35 million FCFA, construction of the Mbakfu-JMBC Field Road amounting to 35 million FCFA, grading of the Njipluh-Boyar Road in Ndu town worth 4.9 million FCFA, and rehabilitation of tarred streets in Ndu Town for a budget of 4.9 million FCFA. 

He also mentioned the plans to construct V-shaped gutters at Mbarcourt for 10 million FCFA, opening of the Caritas Water Tank-Mbakfu Sub-Palace Road for 40 million FCFA, and the construction of bridges on the Taku-Tamba and Mbipgo roads, costing 20 million and 30 million FCFA respectively.

Water and sanitation also priority

Besides road, he said water and sanitation are equally another priority for the council, given that the sector remains critical for public health and community wellbeing. 

He assured of plans to intensify access to potable water through key envisaged interventions. He mentioned construction of a new borehole with a solar pump and plastic tank at Ndu New Layout to the cost of 20 million FCFA, maintenance of the existing borehole at the Municipal Grandstand costing 4.5 million FCFA, and a major water supply project for Ntantalah, Wowo, Mbarse, Mbikoh, and Mbajeng valued at 100 million FCFA. 

These projects, he said, will reduce water scarcity and the health risks associated with inadequate sanitation.

Reviving local economy

In line with the council’s long-term efforts to revive the local economy amid ongoing insecurity, the mayor assured that youth empowerment and support to small businesses will remain a priority for the council.  

He said budgeted initiatives include a micro-project for fish production using solar-controlled boreholes in Ngarbuh, and extended support to Common Initiative Groups, CIGs. 

He also added the construction of classroom blocks in Ngulu, GS Mankeng, GS Kumah Talla, GS Mbarse, and GNS Njipluh as well as the supply of didactic materials and rehabilitation of CEAC Ntumbaw have been planned.

The mayor emphasised that the projects are tailored to build skills, create jobs, and expand economic opportunities for young people and local entrepreneurs.

Meanwhile, to guarantee transparency and accountability in project execution, the municipal authority reaffirmed his commitment to open procurement and fair competition in the awarding of contracts. 

He said the council also plans to share quarterly progress reports through the Ndu Community Radio and published on the council website to keep residents informed. 

Village and neighbourhood committees, alongside civil society organisations, have also been assured of their active participation in monitoring expenditure and ensuring alignment with community needs. 

Moreover, a functional grievance redress committee has equally been established to handle public complaints on misallocation, delays, or mismanagement of resources.

Revenue generation concerns

While addressing concerns about revenue generation, the mayor explained that the insecurity plaguing the English-speaking region had negatively impacted business operations in the Ndu, making it difficult for operators to pay the previous tax rates. 

He said adjustments introduced in 2025 helped ease the burden and significantly boosted internally generated revenue.

For 2026, the mayor indicated that the council plans to further expand its revenue base through digitised billing, sensitisation campaigns, service-based fees, and new public-private partnerships in areas such as waste management, markets, and motor parks. Vulnerable groups will continue to benefit from exemptions and social protection measures.

Despite the challenges, the mayor expressed optimism about the year ahead, reiterating the council’s firm commitment to “delivering concrete, observable progress for all residents of Ndu”. 

He encouraged citizens to submit proposals or concerns through their local representatives or directly to the mayor’s office for consideration in ongoing development planning.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3646 of Friday December 05, 2025