Martin A. Nkemngu
20 March 2008
Since March 7 when the Head of State, President Paul Biya announced far-reaching special measures aimed at improving the purchasing power of Cameroonians, things appear to be moving rather fast in certain government circles. From the Prime Minister's Office to many concerned ministerial departments there is clear effort to practically translate the President's instructions into reality.
Last Monday March 17, Prime Minister, Chief Eprhaim Inoni himself went down to Douala to lay the foundation stone for the construction of an 86 Megawatts thermal plant that will cost a colossal FCFA 52 billion. The project which will create more than 350 jobs, is expected to be completed by January 2009. That will bring great relief to the business community of the economic capital which has been subjected to frequent power cuts causing a major setback to economic activities.
On another front, Jean Bernard Sindeu, Minister of Energy and Water and Louis Paul Motaze of the Economy, Planning and Regional Development are currently in Paris for discussions of the Lom Pangar energy project with financial donors. That too is a good signal in the horizon as the fall outs from the project will help in relaunching the economy.
Still in the energy sector, the national electricity company, AES-SONEL has passed into concrete action by announcing important cuts in the price of electricity effective from next month. The price cuts are designed to give advantage to the most vulnerable social class namely, individual homes and those engaged in small and medium sized industries. With 320,000 consumers out of a total of 520,000 existing, the measures will have considerable impact on an important sector of the community. Beneficiaries include persons in small businesses like hair shops, drinking spots, tailoring workshops, dry cleaning, restaurants, grinding mills etc.
On his part, the Minister of Traide, Luc Magloire Mbarga Atangana has all along been engaged in negotiations with traders to bring down prices of basic commodities. Already prices of commodities like cement, flour, rice, cooking oil, sugar, fish and some local food items have been reduced.
Looking at these examples of action by some members of government one can say so far so good. But it is important to point out that while some are working hard to implement the directives, there are yet others who still find it hard to get out of their state of lethargy.
One still hears some government ministers saying that the problems would only be solved it there is provision in the budget. Perhaps it is time once again to remind them that the President's instructions were given in extraordinary circumstances which warrant extraordinary solutions. There was certainly no provision in this year's budget for increase of salaries but extraordinary circumstances dictated that it be done and it was done. Certainly, this is not time for political rhetoric, it is time for action. Those who want to play safe by postponing action in long speeches should be ready to assume their responsibility for failure for, the problems of Cameroon today require shock therapy, not political rhetoric.
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