A year marked by water access, school recovery, market expansion and strong budget discipline as the council consolidated its development drive.
The year 2025 stood out as a consolidation phase for the Nkambe Council, with a clear emphasis on basic services, infrastructure recovery, community dialogue and accountable governance. Under Mayor Nfor Musa Shey, the council pursued an intensive programme that touched nearly every sector of municipal life, from potable water and sanitation to education, roads, markets and social inclusion.
Council activity throughout the year was anchored on planning and participatory governance. Councillors voted the 2026 budget at about 1.39 billion CFA francs, reflecting an increase over 2025 and signalling expanded development ambitions. Two budget orientation debates held in July and November allowed stakeholders to review the execution of the 2025 budget and fine tune priorities for the coming year.
By mid year, councillors unanimously adopted the mayor’s evaluation report, confirming that over 90 per cent of projects earmarked for 2025 had been realised by July. The council also adopted an updated five year development plan for 2026 to 2030, with emphasis on market infrastructure, low cost housing, roads, schools, health and environmental protection.
At regional and national levels, Nkambe Council continued to distinguish itself in public investment execution, earning multiple awards and maintaining its lead position in the North West for several consecutive years.
Education featured prominently in 2025, especially following the devastating tornado that destroyed classrooms at GPS Group 2 Nkambe. Emergency government intervention, combined with council supervision and lobbying by local leadership, led to the rapid construction of new classroom blocks and administrative offices ahead of the 2025 to 2026 school year.
Beyond emergency response, the council renovated and modernised schools in Konchep, Moh, Ngotang and other communities, furnished classrooms and distributed minimum teaching packages to head teachers to ensure smooth school reopening. These interventions restored learning environments that had been neglected or damaged for years.
Access to potable water remained a defining issue. Communities such as Binshua, Saah, Binju and other quarters benefitted from water projects implemented through partnerships with CARITAS, faith based organisations and external donors. Residents openly applauded the council for easing long standing water shortages.
Sanitation and hygiene were reinforced through the acquisition of modern waste collection equipment, including trucks and tricycles, and the launch of the “Clean Habits, Clean City” campaign. Routine clean up exercises, waste management training and improved drainage works contributed to better urban hygiene and reduced flood risks.
Market modernisation progressed steadily. The council received and opened 84 newly constructed sheds at the Nkambe New Market, allocating them through a transparent and consultative process involving traders. With demand exceeding supply, preparations began for additional sheds, a new market and a new park at Nyanji.
Beyond infrastructure, Nkambe Council won national recognition for innovation, including a 20 million CFA francs prize for a sweet potato transformation project and a 50 million CFA francs MINEPAT award for project execution. Agricultural support to Common Initiative Groups, distribution of farm inputs and promotion of income generating activities strengthened food security and household livelihoods.
Road infrastructure advanced through phased works on the Nkambe–Moh–Konchep road, access roads to health facilities and the construction of bridges in Konchep and other areas. These projects improved mobility for rural communities and linked them more effectively to services.
Concerned by rising accidents, especially during festive and school periods, the council intensified road safety sensitisation for drivers and motorbike riders. Dialogue, training and enforcement measures were combined to curb reckless driving on newly tarred roads and within the town.
Social cohesion was actively promoted. Persons with disabilities received training, material support and financial assistance, while inclusive socio cultural competitions sponsored with UNDP encouraged resilience, peace and unity among youths, women and vulnerable groups.
Sports, cultural events, interfaith engagement and participation in religious celebrations reinforced dialogue across communities. The mayor’s presence at Muslim, Christian and traditional events underscored the council’s approach of governance through proximity and constant engagement.
In review, 2025 was a year in which Nkambe Council focused less on rhetoric and more on delivery. While challenges remain, especially in road connectivity and urban pressure, the council’s record shows steady progress in restoring services, strengthening trust and laying foundations for longer term development. The emphasis on transparency, inclusion and basic needs positioned the municipality on a more stable footing as it moved into the 2026 planning cycle.
