Bamenda II Councillors during session
By Neba Jerome Ambe
Councillors of the Bamenda II Council have endorsed the municipality’s 2025 financial statements, marking a key step in restoring routine governance and accelerating development activities across the area.
The decision was reached during a statutory session held Thursday April 23, 2026 at the council premises, where both elected officials and administrative staff reviewed the year’s performance and adopted fresh policy directions.
Presenting the financial report, Mayor Peter Chenwi disclosed that while the council had forecast a budget of over two billion CFA francs, actual revenue mobilized stood significantly lower. Despite the shortfall, municipal authorities maintained controlled spending, ensuring priority investments were executed without excessive financial strain.
Mayor Chenwi Peter speaking during the Council session
According to the mayor, a substantial portion of the funds derived from state-backed development allocations and external support mechanisms, which helped sustain essential projects during a challenging fiscal period.
Throughout 2025, the council implemented a range of infrastructure and community-based initiatives. These included the rehabilitation of educational facilities, improvement of key road sections linking neighbourhoods, and construction of drainage systems aimed at reducing flood risks. Social amenities such as community halls and green spaces were also developed, while selected farming groups received equipment to boost local agricultural productivity.
Access to potable water was equally prioritized, with borehole projects executed in underserved communities to address persistent shortages.
Looking ahead, council authorities announced plans to scale up environmental management through the establishment of a modern waste treatment facility, supported by international partners. Additional investments are expected in public safety, including the acquisition of firefighting equipment, as well as in urban services such as solar street lighting and road maintenance.
During deliberations, councillors raised concerns over weak internally generated revenue, particularly from sand extraction activities, and stressed the need to revitalize key economic hubs within the municipality. The reopening of local markets was highlighted as critical to restoring livelihoods as stability gradually returns.
Administrative challenges also featured prominently, with reports of operational friction between municipal agents and other public service actors during revenue collection exercises. In response, the Senior Divisional Officer for Mezam, Simon Emile Mooh, assured councillors that steps would be taken to improve coordination and prevent further disruptions.
He called on local officials to remain focused on service delivery, noting that their role is pivotal in rebuilding trust and supporting recovery efforts in the municipality.
As security conditions show signs of improvement, the council is preparing to progressively return its services to its main administrative base, signaling a broader transition towards normalcy in the area.
