The Buea Council Cooperative Credit Union, soon to go operational, shall have as one of its main objectives, providing a remedy to its workers who eventually go on retirement without having constructed personal homes.

To put an end to the situation, the Credit Union will serve as a financial pull where Council workers can get housing loans with their salaries as guarantees. Speaking at a recent press briefing, during the First Buea Council Cooperative Credit Union Constituent General Assembly at the Town Hall, the Lord Mayor of Buea, Patrick Ekema Esunge disclosed that the credit union project involves part of the Council’s objectives to alleviate the social and economic conditions of business operators and the general population in the municipality.

“We have noticed within our jurisdiction that it has been very difficult for Council workers to construct houses before going on retirement and we thought it wise that with the establishment of a micro-finance structure, workers will have the latitude to benefit from the union and their salaries will stand as a surety for the service,” the Mayor said.

Esunge added that, looking at the increased business rates of the Buea market, it is but normal that the Council must partner with these operators. There is enough guarantee that the Council can stand as a surety to these business women to achieve economic goals.

While other final paper works are ongoing to get the financial house ready, the old Buea Council Chambers at Buea-Town, specifically the treasury section, was chosen as the take off office for the new micro finance structure.

Meanwhile, Councilors, council workers, shareholders, business operators, amongst other stakeholders, who were all present in the meeting that day, sought to understand the new project as they were drilled on techniques, functions and the importance of a credit union.

150 Students Get Buea Council Holiday Jobs The Buea Municipal Council in achieving its corporate social responsibility has, in its annual one month holiday job programme, recruited 150 youths from the Buea Subdivision to serve their communities. These youths will be rewarded after completing varying designated assignments.

With over 1000 applicants, the Buea Council authorities had a selection criteria including; being a student of the Buea Subdivision, an even selection from Buea villages which amounted to 89 males and 61 female students and others.

Addressing the youths, Council authorities urged the holiday workers to cooperate with their supervisors and serve their communities with patriotism. They further mandated the chosen students to maximise the opportunity given them by the Council and shun all forms of laziness, arrogance and idleness. The Mayor requested the youths to press on diligence and commitment as they carry out their duties.

“The major innovation this time is in the numerical strength. Last year, the Council recruited 100 youths but this year, for a start, we have 150 and we know that as time goes on, we shall have a lot of pressure from some quarters to suit the already approximated 200,” Ekema said.

Beneficiaries gratified the Council as their reward will assist them in their school needs and also boost their curriculum vitae, CVs. “I am happy to be shortlisted because at the end of the session, the money given to me will help in paying my fees and other needs,” said Samuel Ngoyali in appreciation.

Participants are expected to report for work at 7:30am to 12:00noon daily. They will have a weekly rotation in the 25 working stations with a supervisory team and two days of grace to rest.