By a correspondent
Kumba City Council has received commendation in the 2024 South West Regional Public Independent Conciliator (SW OPIC) report for its progressive engagement with citizens and transformative infrastructure projects.
According to the report, the Council under the leadership of its esteemed City Mayor, Gregory Ntemoyok Mewanu made “notable strides in enhancing its relationship with service users,” marking a “laudable improvement” from 2023. The city was described as “poised for further growth and development” due to the Council’s commitment to delivering expected services.
In a bid to promote inclusiveness and transparency, the City Mayor convened a well-attended town hall meeting on November 21, 2024, to provide a platform for stakeholders to review major city concerns and progress. The SW OPIC report noted that such initiatives were “considered by participants as essential not only to promote citizen participation, but also for building trust and fostering collaboration between local authorities and the communities they serve.”
One of the most applauded initiatives was the construction of the ultra-modern Kumba City Grandstand and the ongoing PDVIR project. These, according to the report, “created a sense of satisfaction among the inhabitants” and contributed to “making Kumba a more beautiful City.”
The Council’s efforts in road rehabilitation were extensively praised. The report highlighted projects such as the transformation of the highway from 3 Corners Ntam to the main bridge and beyond, the rehabilitation from Azi Motel Street to the Anglican Church, as well as road grading in Alaska Street and the stretch from Kumba 1 Council past the General Hospital. The SW OPIC described these actions as having “brought relief to residents, traders, and commuters who rely on this major route.”
The City Mayor’s personal inspection of ongoing roadwork in Lido Street on November 12 was recognised as a “commendable initiative,” signaling strong executive follow-up.
Subdivisional councils also commended
The Kumba I and II Councils were also noted for complementary efforts. Kumba I’s allocation of funds from MINHDU and FEICOM, and its collaboration with the Programme for Sustainable Management of Natural Resources to plant 300 trees, were both applauded. Similarly, Kumba II’s construction of a bridge in Mappe II and the creation of a Zoo Technical Veterinary Centre were recognised as targeted responses to community needs.
Sanitation efforts, particularly the “Operation Keep Your Quarters Clean” initiative, received broad support. The report mentioned, “wheel barrows, spades and rakes were handed to the award winners” in recognition of their participation, with Palm City, Mbanda II, Njuki I and Bamboka II emerging as the top four quarters.
However, the report also flagged concerns. Areas like Metta Quarters and Kossala IV felt neglected, citing lack of road attention and pipe-borne water, while Kossala I and Makata suffered from waste management lapses. The Kumba Main Market and others like Barombi and Mabanda faced waste disposal and space constraints.
Despite these setbacks, the report concludes that the Kumba City Council and its attendant local councils have shown a “promising trajectory” in governance, transparency, and inclusive development. The City Mayor’s active involvement in hygiene activities and strategic infrastructure inspections were noted as critical to this progress.
