Mme the Public Independent Conciliator answering questions from Journalist during the press lunch
The 2024 annual report of the Office of the Public Independent Conciliator has been published. The report focused on the state of relations between Citizens and the Regional Assembly and the Local Collectivities of the South-West Region. The report highlights how the Regional Assembly and the Local and City Councils fared in 2024 in the provision of quality services and the execution of projects for the benefit of the population of the South-West Region.
CRTV journalist asking questions on the content of the 2024 annual report
The South-West Public Independent Conciliator (PIC), Telelen Dorothy Atabong spouse Motaze, presented the report to Journalists, a cross-section of Council Officials, renown peace builders and heads of civil society organizations of the Region. According to the PIC, the report is a mitigated picture characterized on the one hand by domains or areas of satisfaction driven by commendable performances and on the other hand by areas of dissatisfaction or disappointment anchored on the failure of Regional or Council services in meeting the aspirations of residents and service users in domains with a direct impact on the livelihoods and welfare of the local population.
Partial view of press men present during the publication of the 2024 annual report
In terms of methodology adopted in the presentation of her report, the PIC opted for a council-by-council evaluation of the state of relations in order to obtain accurately reflected performances and state of relations in a given municipality.
As concerns the Regional Assembly, most of its projects were realized in 2024 but for a few projects like the pediatric unit of the Buea Regional hospital, the surgical ward of the Mamfe hospital and the Menji street lighting in Lebialem Division which is yet to be completed. The delay of these projects have been blamed on the contractors. For the local collectivities or councils, most of the projects were realized in urban areas like Kumba where the City Mayor, Mr Greg Mewanu was praised for doing better than in 2023. Other areas with relative calm and security like the Councils in Fako also did well. The Limbe 1 Council Mayor, Mme Mbwaye Eposi Florence was also commended for her outstanding performance in the realization of all her projects in 2024 and the provision quality services to Users in her Municipality. Unlike the urban areas, most enclaved areas were faced difficulties in the realization of their projects in 2024, with some projects abandoned. These challenges are as a result of the high insecurity conditions and poor road network. However, the PIC also noted that some of the abandoned projects lacked follow up from project owners because most of the mayors and close collaborators are not living in their Municipalities. She regretted that these abandoned projects prevent development and deprive the population from enjoying the basic amenities which have a direct impact on their livelihoods. The PIC also decried the deplorable state of hygiene and sanitation in most cities of the Region. She recommended that each Council could create an autonomous garbage disposal strategy and each household pay a negligible amount yearly to support its realization.
View of OPIC staff and journalist listening the Mme the Public Independent Conciliator
To conclude her statement, the PIC encouraged all Councils to do better by effectively exploiting the instruments, resources and capabilities they have. She also highlighted some challenges encountered and made some recommendations in keeping with the provisions of section 370(4) of the General Code of Regional and Local Authorities. 
Family picture of Mme the Public Independent Conciliator, Mme Telelen Dorothy Motaze, the President of the Regional Assembly, Zacheus Elango Bakoma with other dignitaries and OPIC staff
The 2024 report launch in Buea was attended by the President of the South-West Regional Executive Council, Honourable Zachaeus Elango Bakoma, the head of the South-West Regional Branch of the Human Rights Commission, Barrister Tambe Tiku Christopher, the Executive Director of Reach Out , Cameroon, the Director General of Change Mentalities and Empowering Group, Mme Agbor Meg, the Limbe City Mayor, Mr Paul Efome Ngale, the Limbe 1 Council Mayor, Mme Mbwaye Eposi Florence, representatives and collaborators of the Konye and Kumba City Mayors and a cross-section of Media Partners.
