South West: IsDB sponsored PPRD projects on target, visiting representative says

By Nchendzengang Tatah

Upon visiting GHS Idenau and GHS Ombe, two beneficiaries of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) sponsored projects under the Presidential Plan for Reconstruction and Development of the North West and South West (PPRD) the IsDB delegation felt satisfied at the execution of allocated projects. The IsDB field representative, Mohamadou Awal made the remarks on January 30, 2025.

Over 9.6 billion fcfa was ear marked to finance a total of 703 projects in the South West. The IsDB funded projects were to be implemented by the United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) following a July 2023 agreement. One year into execution, 56 schools are reported to have been reconstructed or rehabilitated. This include GHS Idenau and GBHS Ombe which the delegation paid a visit to. Twenty-four health facilities, 21 water projects, 2 bridges and 5 community centers were also reconstructed.

Interms of economic revitalisation, the report showed 475 farms restituted, 50 farmer cooperatives strengthened, 221 agro-pastoral exhibitions supported, 12 markets reconstructed, and 150 small businesses revived. Inline with social cohesion and peace building, 11 socio cultural activities were noted to have been conducted and 7 youth and women centers operationalized. Cross checking with projects earmarked for year one under review, the IsDB representative, Mohamadou Awal expressed satisfaction. He however called on collaboration inorder to have completion of all projects ongoing and those to be awarded.

The 23 subdivisions of the 6 divisions of the South West were listed to each benefit from the basket of projects. In a response from Mayors, they described IsDB funded projects to be bringing beauty and hope to their localities. They however expressed dissatisfaction that they were excluded from the follow-up in resulting to the stalling of works on some sites. Moreso, the mayors frowned at contractors who had abandoned their projects. They informed hierarchy, beseeching measures be put in place to cube the phenomenon and ensure project execution by deadlines.

PPRD Cordinator Motuba Tamajong Obase, in his response assured the municipal authorities that the programme will subsequently map a clause into contracts to evaluate and pay recalcitrant contractors off while re-awarding the contracts. Additionally, he reminded his hearers that the PPRD was only a supplement to normal government activities.