The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, has commended the commitment of stakeholders and emphasized the urgent need to intensify efforts to achieve the remaining objectives of the Inclusive and Resilient Cities Development Project (PDVIR). She highlighted the crucial role of the PDVIR in improving living conditions for populations, particularly in under-equipped urban areas, and promoting employment for youth.
Minister Courtes was speaking recently in Yaoundé while presiding over the seventh session of the Steering Committee for the PDVIR.
Objectives of the Session
The primary aim of this session was to validate the Work Plan and Annual Budget (PTBA) for 2025. Additionally, it provided an opportunity to:
– Review the activity report as of October 31, 2024.
– Validate the basic documents for the internal audit of the PDVIR.
– Evaluate the accounting and financial audit report for the year 2023.
The session highlighted significant progress made in the implementation of the program while addressing challenges faced and perspectives for successful completion by June 30, 2025.
Infrastructure Achievements
– 32.331 km of roads have been constructed or rehabilitated out of a target of 41.162 km, including 2.2 km in Batouri, 7 km in Ngaoundéré, 15 km in Yaoundé, and 11 km in Douala.
– 62.45 km of secondary drains have been constructed in all cities participating in the program.
Notable progress has been observed in local and structural projects in Douala and Yaoundé.
Recommendations
At the conclusion of the discussions, several recommendations were made:
1. To the Mayors:
– Accelerate the release of land and finalize compensation for affected individuals by February 2025.
– Report on progress made concerning municipal commitments and monitor the implementation of performance contracts signed with engaged companies.
2. To the PDVIR Coordination Unit:
– Strengthen close monitoring of remaining works, particularly in Douala and Yaoundé.
– Deploy strategies to ensure the timely completion of priority projects.
– Adhere strictly to the tight schedules outlined in the performance contracts signed by companies.
– Manage all financial documents through a one-stop service.
The Inclusive and Resilient Cities Development Project, overseen by the Ministry of Habitat and Urban Development (MINHDU), is supported by Decentralized Territorial Collectivities with funding from the World Bank amounting to 93.6 billion FCFA.
The project aims to improve urban management and access to infrastructure in selected urban areas, particularly in under-equipped neighborhoods, while enhancing resilience to natural hazards and other eligible crises. The PDVIR, co-financed by the World Bank and led by the MINHDU, remains an essential lever for sustainable urban transformation in Cameroon, as envisioned by the President of the Republic, H.E. Paul Biya.
Che Tembuck
