From roads and markets to sport and social protection, the council’s year was shaped by reconstruction, community engagement and cautious optimism.
The year 2025 marked a defining chapter for the Bamenda III Council as it balanced recovery from conflict-related setbacks with an ambitious local development agenda. Across infrastructure, local economy, social inclusion and governance, the council under Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe pursued visible projects aimed at restoring confidence in municipal action and improving daily life for residents.
In the same vein, public budget orientation debates were held to present the level of execution of 2025 projects, examine the 2024 administrative account and discuss priorities going forward. These forums reinforced the council’s stated commitment to transparency, accountability and citizen participation in local decision making.
Earlier in the year, councillors adopted an administrative account of about 754 million CFA francs, with funds channelled into roads, bridges, water projects and support to vulnerable groups.
Roads and bridges dominated the council’s physical footprint in 2025. Several communities saw long-awaited relief with the completion or launch of bridges at Mbelem, Menteh, Ntambessi–Ntenefor and Mile Four, alongside rehabilitation of key road stretches including Mile 5 Junction to Ntambang, St Paul street and St John Catholic Church through New Life Residence to Foncha.
Flood mitigation works below Foncha and the completion of the Mile Four bridge helped reduce recurrent flooding and traffic disruption, once a persistent problem in the area. These projects collectively improved access to markets, schools and health services, while easing movement between quarters.
Market infrastructure also advanced. The Ntasen Market, completed with support from the International Labour Organisation, was officially handed over to the council. Beyond the structure itself, the labour-intensive approach created short-term jobs for local youths, who received training and certificates. Work also progressed on the Mile Four modern market to give the facility a more organised and modern outlook.
Recognising agriculture as the backbone of the local economy, the council partnered with government programmes and ministries to support Common Initiative Groups. Agricultural tools and inputs were distributed to farmers to boost productivity, strengthen food security and revive household incomes.
Local craftsmanship also received attention. Over 50 craft persons were brought together to showcase products, network and compete for prizes, with selected participants qualifying for divisional exhibitions. These initiatives, including planned exhibitions with the Ministry of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, aimed to promote local products, improve branding and stimulate small-scale enterprise.
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Social inclusion ran as a consistent thread through the year. Persons living with disabilities received targeted financial support following needs assessments, while new disability groups were encouraged to formalise and access institutional backing. Inclusive sport featured prominently, with goalball for the visually impaired and earlier editions of amputee football highlighting abilities rather than limitations.
The Bamenda III Inclusive Royal Tournament once again proved a major social event. Beyond football, it served as a platform for unity across quarters, youth engagement and inclusion. The 2025 edition ended with King City FC of Mbefi lifting the trophy, while individual excellence was rewarded, including a motorcycle for the tournament’s best player. Younger players benefited from an under-15 competition supported by traditional leadership.
Women and youths were not sidelined. Workshops on women’s rights, empowerment and mentorship were organised, while volunteer youths trained by the Ministry of Youth Affairs pledged service to the council and the municipality.
Partnerships with UNICEF delivered tangible results in education and health, notably with the construction of a modern toilet and borehole at Government Nursery and Primary School Alahlie. Water supply projects, including the construction of a reinforced concrete dam wall, sought to increase storage capacity and improve filtration to meet growing demand.
The year was not without moments of loss. The council mourned the passing of Councillor Samuel Asobo Mboya, head of the finance committee, whose death was widely felt within the municipal family.
Resilience was symbolised by the completion of the Bamenda III Multipurpose Hall. After the previous ceremonial hall was destroyed by fire in 2023, lobbying and support from FEICOM made it possible to rebuild a larger, modern facility capable of hosting about one thousand guests, restoring an important civic and social space.
Taken together, the council’s 2025 activities reflect a municipality working to stabilise, reconnect communities and lay foundations for growth in a challenging environment. While needs remain vast, especially given insecurity and infrastructure gaps, the combination of planning, partnerships and visible projects suggests a council intent on moving forward, step by step, with its population closely in view.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
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