The putting in place of a Ministry in charge of the Award of Public Contract is considered a plus.

Out of the global FCFA 3,312 billion state budget, the financial package attributed to the Littoral Region for the 2014 fiscal year stands at FCFA 17.255.511.250. Of this, FCFA 12.975.795.000 is earmarked for investment while a total of FCFA 4.279.716.250 is meant for functioning; with main focus on infrastructure, production, health and education, which domains directly affect the lives of the beneficial local population. However, the implementation of these developmental strides on the field in view of attaining the long term vision of Cameroon becoming an emergent economy leaves much to be desired.

As concerns the present situation in the Littoral Region for the just launched fiscal year, the realisation strides are slow but sure. Ranging from a variety of social-infrastructural amenities for the betterment of the livelihood of the population of the economic hub of Cameroon, it would be noted that the Littoral Regional follow-up committee of the execution of the Public Investment Budget, will have little or no sleep this year.

Talking to CT by phone, the Littoral Regional Delegate of the MINEPAT explained that compared to last year, 2014 presents greater prospects for the Region. Citing the creation of the Ministry in charge of the award of public contracts, he stressed that many shortcomings faced in previous years, will now constitute history. This refers to the respect of public contract award procedures, delays and bottlenecks in treating files, the constitution of files by the entrepreneurs, amongst others which hindered the proper attainment of desired results.

In order to better coordinate activities on the field, sub technical committees have been created within the four Divisions, he added. Their main duty is to report to the Regional follow up committee. This method of the decentralisation of roles and responsibilities ensures an accurate follow up and respect of regulations in force, which are indispensable prerequisites for sustainable development.

The state of affairs of the prevailing situation in the Littoral with regards to the first quarter of the year will be revealed during the first Regional committee meeting, to hold before May 10.

By Laure NGANLAY