MINHDU North West Holds 2026 First Quarter Coordination Meeting, Intensifies Push for Clean and Sustainable Cities

By Wirngo Peter Tardzenyuy

The North West Regional Delegation of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development (MINHDU) has held its first quarter Regional Coordination Meeting for 2026 in Bamenda, bringing together administrative authorities, municipal officials, and development partners to evaluate ongoing projects and reinforce strategies for improved urban development and sanitation.

The session took place at the conference hall of the Regional Delegation of Public Works and was chaired by Nzomo Zingui, Head of Division of Regional Development at the North West Governor’s Office, representing the Governor, H.E. Adolf Lele L’Afrique. Present at the meeting were the Regional Delegate of MINHDU, Njosi John Paul, the Senior Divisional Officer for Bui, divisional delegates, mayors from Kumbo, Jakiri, Oku and Nkor councils, as well as contractors, technical services, and partners involved in urban development across the region.

In his address, Nzomo Zingui underscored the importance of the coordination meeting as a key platform for evaluating the execution of projects from the previous financial year. He called on stakeholders to provide accurate and transparent reports on ongoing and incomplete projects, while proposing practical solutions to ensure their completion within the shortest possible time. He stressed that unfinished projects represent development gaps that must be urgently addressed.

He further urged all actors to intensify efforts, especially as the region prepares for key national activities, noting that projects linked to urban beautification, sanitation, public lighting and road infrastructure must be accelerated to reflect the region’s readiness and commitment.

On his part, the Regional Delegate of MINHDU, Njosi John Paul, disclosed that the region recorded over 90 percent physical execution of projects in 2025. He explained that the few delays observed were largely due to security challenges and late funding for some council projects. He assured that contractors have been mobilized to complete all pending works before the next coordination meeting.

For 2026, he indicated that while most council projects are still undergoing tender procedures, regional projects have already been launched, with an estimated execution rate of between 12 and 15 percent. He cited key ongoing projects including the construction of the 3.5-kilometre road to the Bamenda gas plant, the stretch linking Custom Junction to GBHS Bamendankwe, and the road from Alachu towards the Mankon Fon’s Palace. According to him, contractors are effectively on site and progress is steadily being made.

The meeting also featured a field visit to the Paradise on Earth waste recycling centre in Bamenda I Subdivision, where participants observed an innovative process that transforms glass bottle waste into sand for construction use. The initiative, led by Atanga Martin Tabifo, aims at addressing the environmental hazards posed by discarded glass, which often serve as breeding grounds for pests and hinder vegetation growth.

While commending the initiative, the Regional Delegate noted that the recycling plant faces limitations due to inadequate machinery and encouraged support to scale up its operations. He emphasized that such innovations are essential in complementing government efforts in waste management.

Njosi John Paul further revealed that the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development plays a major role in waste management in Bamenda, supporting up to 80 percent of waste collection operations through partnerships with private operators. He added that the ministry is considering avenues to integrate and support local recycling initiatives as part of a broader sanitation strategy.

As part of efforts to promote a cleaner urban environment, authorities at the meeting called for increased community participation in sanitation activities. Emphasis was placed on proper waste disposal, collaboration with contractors, and respect for urban planning norms, particularly in the execution of building projects.

The population was urged to support ongoing development efforts, as resistance and non-compliance in some areas continue to slow down project execution. Officials maintained that the development of the region is a collective responsibility and requires the full cooperation of all stakeholders.

The meeting ended with a renewed commitment from participants to implement resolutions reached, ensure timely completion of projects, and strengthen efforts toward making Bamenda and the North West Region cleaner, more organized, and development-driven.