2025 State Budget: Road projects for SW announced at launch in Buea
By Nchendzengang Tatah
The ceremony to launch operations for the state budget for the 2025 fiscal year in the South West regional headquarters, Buea, was accompanied by announcements regarding government projects for the region. The launch ceremony, held on December 15 at the Catholic Pastoral Center in Molyko, was chaired by the Minister of Finance (MINFI), Louis Paul Motaze, and attended by regional authorities, members of decentralized collectivities, and other stakeholders. In his address, Minister Motaze highlighted projects completed in 2024 and those scheduled for execution in 2025.
South West Region Projects
Minister Louis Paul Motaze, in his speech, outlined projects earmarked for the South West in 2025. He informed the audience that the Bikoko-Limbe-Idenau road would be rehabilitated, while the Kumba-Mamfe road, like the Buea-Sasse-Limbe road, would receive a fresh coat of tar. Additionally, the construction of the Bangem-Nguti road was noted. Regarding energy supply, the budget allocates funds for the installation and commissioning of the SONARA high-voltage substation, as well as the construction and securing of the land for the Limbe gas power plant.
For education, 200 million CFA francs will be used to equip Ombe High School, and the rehabilitation and extension of NASLA will be carried out for 600 million CFA francs. To improve healthcare, a one-storey surgical unit will be built at the Kumba District Hospital, while the Mundemba District Hospital will see the construction of a mother/child unit and the installation of medical equipment. These are among the various projects planned for 2025.
Presidential Reconstruction Plan
The Minister of Finance announced the allocation of 36.4 billion CFA francs for the reconstruction of crisis-affected areas, up from 34 billion in 2024. He also disclosed that the National Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration Committee would receive 4.4 billion CFA francs. He traced the Presidential Plan for the Reconstruction of the North West and South West regions, which has helped at least 8,000 people recover lost documents. Over 59 cultural festivals were held to promote unity, and 11 community centers were rebuilt to empower women. Motaze reported that 79 schools and 39 health facilities had been reconstructed, along with 4 bridges, while more than 2,400 farmers had received farm inputs.
Regarding support to state corporations operating in the affected areas, the Minister listed efforts underway. For the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC), which is the largest employer after the state, the Finance boss revealed that a total of 20 billion CFA francs had been paid to its workers in accrued wages. The debts owed to the workers, totaling 34.4 billion CFA Francs, are part of a 60 billion CFA francs debt the corporation is facing. He further announced that the payment of the last quarter of wages would be made in 2025, following an earlier signed agreement.
Project Execution
The MINFI minister praised the steady increase in the execution of the Public Investment Budget in the South West. However, he expressed concern over the late submission of tenders, delayed contract awards, late transfer of contractual documents, and the weak financial strength of some entrepreneurs, which slow the execution rate.
Minister Motaze urged local authorities to ensure that tenders are launched by the last week of January to allow sufficient time for the process. On the other hand, he reminded contractors that the government’s efforts largely depend on them through the successful execution of projects. He called on them not to relent in ensuring the optimal realization of projects within the stipulated time frames.
