What Biya should come, see in Buea!
By Nchendzengang Tatah
If the Head of State, Paul Biya should come to Buea- one of Cameroon’s oldest and historic towns, he will have a lot to feed his eyes on. Supporters of the ruling Cameroon People’s Democratic Movement (CPDM) urged him March 24, 2025 step foot into the town and launch his presidential campaigns. If he does, it will be an opportunity for him to gaze at the ugly end of Buea besides its natural friendly climate.
Paul Biya will see for himself and for the first, the ravaging impact of an eight year long conflict in the North West and South West regions. How what should have been a 15 billion health investment, lie incomplete and grass grown on the outskirts of Buea. The Buea Referral Hospital has still not seen the light of day after construction works began in May 2017 to last 18 months. It was halted in 2018 following reported attacks from separatist fighters.
A stone throw from the referral Hospital, he will lay eyes on a 4 billion worth low cost housing project serving as a hideout for urban wildlife. The project shy of three months to its completion at the time of abandonment according to authorities was a result of insecurity. Moreover, many days have had with them unforgettable stories which denizens keep rent free in mind.
Gun men alleged to be separatist fighters stormed a police post about a kilometer from these structures and killed several officers in 2024. This post is hundreds of meters away from the spot where a pupil heading to school, was coincidentally shot dead in a car by a military officer in 2021. These make a few instances of violence, killing and terror which prevailed in Buea, the South West regional headquarters. The killings in the North West and South West total over 6,000 as reported by the Human Rights Watch in 2024.
It was in February 2014 that President Biya lastly came to Buea. If he decides to come unannounced a quarter into 2025, he may be welcomed by the overflowing garbage heap at the Mile 17 roundabout which greets entries into the town. Though it will only accompany the poor road state with numerous potholes notably at Mile 16. One which has remained a burden for many including the CPDM Central Committee Permanent Divisional Delegation head for Fako, Prof Nalova Lyonga and Senator Mbella Moki. They have both in separate instances raised concerns as to the need for rehabilitation of the stretch. The president will notice that the main boulevard remained the lone area of free circulation in Buea these years.
Furthermore, frequent electricity seizures around Buea have become constant. Communities on the outskirts of the town go for weeks without electricity. While portable water supply is on its minimum. Taps in government residential areas skip weeks without dripping. Local residential quarters for their part, have water of doubtful quality from borehole supplies and natural sources on long walk distances. It has resulted in growing rates of water borne diseases in the health district. Typhoid, dysentery, diarrhea and cholera are a growing threat. At least 1,117 cases were recorded for diarrhea at the Buea Regional Hospital Annex in 2018.
These issues prevail simultaneously with corruption. A 2022 CONAC report ranked the South West last but one on national classifications. Public officials are largely accused of spearheading this vice. An aspect which has emerged severally on Biya’s nationwide addresses.
The city of Buea sits amidst many troubles. Many expect a presidential visit which is known to bring about some changes and improvements. Others simply feel the “New Deal” government has nothing more to offer, 42 years down the road.
