With years of poor road conditions haunting neighbourhoods across Bamenda II municipality, a new dawn may be on the horizon. On Tuesday, the Bamenda II Council officially received a new grader adding to its modest but growing pool of road maintenance equipment. The arrival of the machine, purchased through the 2025 Public Investment Budget, signals a step in the council’s efforts to take infrastructure development into its own hands.
Hon Agho Oliver Bamenju officially hands grader keys to Mayor Chenwi Peter
At the brief but symbolic reception ceremony held in Bamenda, Mayor Chenwi Peter described the acquisition as “proof of service, not slogans,” as he recommitted to the council’s promise of pragmatic, community-focused development.
“We are almost five years into this mandate, and we have shown that we are not just here to move around but we are here to serve. We had earlier acquired a front-end loader, a truck, a Hilux, and now a grader. We are planning to get an excavator next.” the mayor told Hilltopvoices Newsroom.
The Mayor’s tone was both celebratory and defiant. Citing decades of what he described as “political inertia,” he took aim at previous administrations and vowed to leave a tangible legacy.
“The SDF ran this council for over 25 years, and little was done. We are changing that narrative. This is not about party politics. We are fulfilling a vision to serve the people, not to campaign.” he said
The significance of the grader is not lost on the residents of Bamenda II, where road degradation has become synonymous with daily life. Dusty in the dry season and treacherously muddy during rains, many primary and secondary roads in the municipality have long needed intervention.
In parts of Mbatuh, Chomba, Ngomgham, Alabukam, and others, vehicles often struggle to navigate pothole-ridden stretches. The council has relied heavily on private contractors and intermittent state intervention, often delayed or hampered by security concerns in the region.
“This machine is going to help us intervene directly in problem areas. But it is not just about buying, we must also secure the equipment and maintain it properly for sustainable impact.” Mayor Chenwi Peter said.
Also present at the unveiling was Hon. Agho Oliver Bamenju, MP for Bafut-Tubah and Chairperson of the Mezam Public Investment Follow-Up Committee. He praised the initiative as a model of what local councils can achieve with effective budgeting and political will.
“This is the kind of investment we need. I am proud of Mayor Chenwi Peter and the councilors of Bamenda II for making such a strategic choice. It will go a long way in solving one of the most pressing issues in Bamenda II,” Hon. Agho said.
Community members at reception of grader
From a technical perspective, Gordon Anyelle, the contractor who supplied the grader, assured the council and public of the machine’s durability.
“It is in excellent condition. If handled with care, it will serve the population for many years,” Anyelle noted.
Mayor Chenwi’s remarks struck a political chord ahead of an anticipated electoral year, but his messaging remained firmly grounded in service delivery.
“Politics is not verbal. It is pragmatic. This is just the beginning. If the people trust us with another mandate, we will do even more. We are not just resisting our challenges; we are transforming them.” he noted firmly
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Newsroom,
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