The Mayor to the Kumba I Council, Meme Southwest Region Abel Ebako Ndoh, has stated that, the reason why the people of Kumba voted three new Mayors in the wake of the September 30 twin elections was to further develop the metropolis and not to challenge anybody or impede progress.

Ebako made the assertion on Sunday, July 13 at the Government Practising School field Kumba Town while presiding over the launching ceremony of that Council’s inter-quarter football competition.

The Municipal authority responded to a worry from the population, with many interpreting the numerous football competitions in Kumba as a sign of conflict between the three SDF Mayors and the Government Delegate to the Kumba City Council, Victor Nkelle Ngoh.

Kumba for the first time in seven years now has some four inter-quarter competitions for the various Sub-Divisional Councils and that of the City Council. Others think contrary to that, the Mayors and the Government Delegate should have put in place a single tournament that will affect the entire city.

Contrary to the public opinion, the Mayor averred that, every Council remains autonomous with plan of actions for its population which cannot be interfered with. The Kumba I Council, Ebako stated with growing ambitions that will only be achieved through coherent planning and guidance in a peaceful environment.

In this regard, the Mayor disclosed that, the baby Council has set aside FCFA 1million to keep its youthful population busy throughout the long vacation. According to him, this period remains of great importance to his institution given that, the youths guarantee the future and preventing them from indulging in delinquent acts through social activities like sports is another way of planning for the future.

The 12-team tournament as at the day of the launching according to the Mayor, has been drawn to tie in with the holidays so that students could move from entertainment back to the classroom and continue with their studies while the Council focuses on other amenities.

Reacting on the multiple Council tournaments in the metropolis, Sports and Physical Education Delegate for Meme, Emmanuel Ngah said there was no need for panic because the fixtures have been planned to avoid confusion and tension among the people of the various Sub-Divisions.

He said that, the timing too had been considered to avoid the players, most of whom are students, from over working themselves because it may result to some challenges at individual levels.

With respect to the pitches, the Delegate was confident that the committees involved have earmarked the various fields to be used, based on how good they are. Ngah said pitches could be better compared to 2013 during the same period when most of the pitches became very difficult for a good display of the games. Other Councils are expected to launch their own tournaments in the days ahead.