The Cameroon Development Corporation, CDC, is honouring its 1946 engagement with the native authorities to hand back land to the community after a 60-year period. True to its engagements, the villages of Mambanda and Malende in Kumba III sub-division have been ceded 30 hectares of land each.

The land surrender exercise took place recently in the presence of the CDC management represented by Estate manager for Mukonje Rubber Estate, Mr. Bisong, accompanied by some CDC surveyors from the head office in Limbe alongside others from Meme division service of land and the administration of the concerned chiefs.

The chief of Mambanda revealed that his village, Chief Aduma, was fast growing and there was urgent need for land to accommodate the population boom. He however thanked the CDC for understanding their plight and worries. Like other beneficiaries before him, Chief Aduma promised to put the land into proper use and ensure that the rights of the people are respected.

Chief Peter Ngoh II of Malende on the other hand, dedicated the offer to his late father, Chief DJ Ngoh, who initiated the land surrender procedure and worked so hard to ensure that the land was returned. He noted that part of the land will be divided to the four main families making up the village while the remaining half will be used to construct recreational facilities like a hall and a palace while the rest will be secured for future use.

Reacting to rumours that the chiefs will use the land to enrich themselves, the two traditional rulers jointly vowed to put community interest ahead of their private interests.

CDC Management however declared that the company was simply respecting its side of the bargain by giving back to the community what is naturally theirs.