By Neba Jerome Ambe
In a decisive move to streamline development efforts amid shrinking financial resources, the Bafut Council has adopted the 2026 budget of 1.059 billion FCFA, down from 1.3 billion FCFA in 2025. Councillors unanimously approved the financial plan on Saturday, December 6, 2025, outlining a strategic shift toward essential infrastructure, social services, and community resilience initiatives.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence described the 2026 budget as “realistic, attainable and resilient,” noting that despite the decrease in revenue projections, the Council remains committed to sustaining development momentum. This year’s session convened under the theme: “A 2026 Budget of Renewal, Community Resilience and Shared Progress.”
The Council identified priority areas where funding will be concentrated, including education, health, electricity extension and the construction of schools, roads and bridges. Key projects scheduled for 2026 include:
Construction of an integrated health centre in Mankanikong, Portable water schemes in Mankwi, Asanje and Otang, Electricity expansion to Bunoh and Acheni, road opening, drainage and gutter works, training of water and road maintenance committees, purchase of cassava graters to support local agro-processing, updating the Council Development Plan, acquisition of a front-end loader to boost the Council’s heavy-duty fleet, support to the 2026 agro-pastoral show and crafts exhibition, and Councillors push for practical use of machinery and cultural preservation
Council committees urged the executive to fully utilise the heavy-duty equipment bought in 2024 and 2025 to improve farm-to-market access roads and accelerate street creation and naming across the municipality. Mayor Ngwakongoh assured councillors that the process would be rolled out progressively, given the logistical demands of covering all 58 villages.
Preservation of cultural heritage also featured prominently. Councillors recommended promoting the teaching of the Bafut anthem (Mban) and cultural values in the community. To support this initiative, the Council pledged to acquire and distribute the recently updated cultural handbook at a highly subsidized rate.
The education committee commended the Mayor for significant progress in school infrastructure. Bafut Council currently ranks second in Mezam Division for execution of Public Investment Projects in 2025, surpassing a 95% completion rate. Only one project, a two-classroom block awaiting plastering, remains in progress.
Discussions also focused on reviving toll collection on sand mining operations in lower Bafut. A new strategy was agreed upon, with expectations that it will significantly improve Council revenue once implemented.
Additionally, 2026 will witness the operational launch of the Bafut Community Radio, to be situated at the entrance to the Subdivision. The station is expected to enhance local communication and support cultural and civic education.
Representing the SDO for Mezam, the Divisional Officer for Bafut, Forkou Andelys, praised the Council’s maturity and commitment. He encouraged the executive to follow through on the adopted budget and development roadmap, an assurance reaffirmed by Mayor Ngwakongoh. As the Council advances into 2026, plans are also underway to map and develop the tourism potential of the subdivision, a move expected to diversify future revenue streams and strengthen local economic growth.
