Minister Elanga Obam inaugurates Bertoua I multipurpose complex.

The minister was accompanied on the trip to the East by the Director General of the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance, FEICOM, Camille Philippe Akoa.

FEICOM DG told journalists that the edifice was christened the “Joseph Charles Doumba Multipurpose room” right from its conception. 

This, he said, is in honour of a great son of the East Region who passed away in March 2017, after serving the country in different capacities. 

Joseph Doumba was first appointed to the government as Minister of Information and Culture in 1974, and then Minister of Justice from 1975 to 1979. 

He served last as Secretary-General of the Cameroon People's Democratic Movement, CPDM, from 1992 to 2007. Akoa said the construction of the Multipurpose Hall was a joint project funded by FEICOM and the Bertoua I Council. 

“Born from a shared vision between FEICOM and the municipal executive, its realization was also facilitated and made possible thanks to the technical and financial support of Bertoua 1st Council,” Akoa reiterated. 

He added that: “The building, which is contemporary in design and adapted to climate change realities, is distinguished by its modern architecture, multi-pane roofing and neat exterior features, including an esplanade, green spaces, solar lights for outdoor lighting and a fence”. 

He also announced that the facility has a capacity of about 400 seats and comprises of one private living room, one bedroom with bathroom, one kitchen, one dedicated technical area and adapted sanitary units. 

“We thought of coming up with a genuine socio-cultural pole. This facility now constitutes a privileged framework for the organization of community, cultural and institutional events, thus contributing to the animation of local life and the radiance of the City of Bertoua,” Akoa said.

He stressed that through the achievement; the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance has translated into concrete reality its commitment to government´s accelerated decentralization process by constantly equipping Decentralized Collectivities with structurally durable and sustainable infrastructures. 

The project, Akoa went further, is part of the National Development Strategy, SND 2020-2030 and contributes directly to the aspirations of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal, SDG 11, which urges governments to build sustainable cities and communities by promoting inclusive and resilient spaces. 
He said the project is also part of SDG 8, which aims to provide decent work and promote economic growth by supporting local dynamics. All of which Akoa said tally with the vision of the Fund he heads.

He institution, he explained, aims to continue consolidating its actions to contribute to making Decentralized Collectivities, CTDs, places where Cameroonians feel good to live in.

The inauguration was also graced by other important dignitaries from the East Region including the Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reform, Joseph Le; the Minister Delegate at the Presidency of the Republic in charge of Relations with Assemblies, Bolvine Wakata, the Special Adviser to the President of the Republic, Dieudonne Samba, as well as administrative, traditional and local authorities.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3808 of Friday June 05, 2026