Command both water and Land - Governor Okalia tells new Ndian SDO

NTOU’OU NDONG Chamberlin, Ndian SDO

"Be SDO on land and in water." These are the words that were used by the Governor of the South West Region Bernard OKALIA BILAI to throw light on an aspect of the job description of the incoming Senior Divisional Officer for the Ndian Division, Ntou’ou Ndong Chamberlin, during the installation rituals in Mundemba on Saturday June 29, 2014.

At the tender age of 37, NTOU’OU NDONG Chamberlin’s appointment is the illustration of the Head of State’s intention to give new impetus to the administrative machinery in Cameroon.  The former Divisional officer of the Ebolowa 1 Sub-division makes a step forward in his administrative career, where he will be expected to display his “savoir faire” in the management of the maritime zone, notably the Bakassi peninsula which he is not familiar to.

Governor Okalia (R) commissions Ntou’ou Ndong

Governor Bernard OKALIA BILAI drew the attention of the father of four on the important role he has to play with respect to the smooth implementation of national laws of Cameroon, the consolidation of peaceful coexistence between various communities and the socio-economic development of the maritime zone. “Act with maximum firmness and show no tolerance to lawlessness on land and in the maritime zone” he added.

According to the Mayor of Mundemba, “the one and only problem” faced by the 150.000 inhabitants of the division originates from the deplorable road network. So far, the border division created in 1966, has received a sum of 4 billion FCFA from the State for the rehabilitation of the Kumba - Ekondo-titi – Isangele - Akwa road. The new supervisory authority of the Division will have to pay special attention to the completion of road projects.

Traditional rulers, the Forces of Law and Order, and heads of Municipalities were asked to work in synergy with the incoming S.D.O to put an end to anarchy in the Ndian Division.  The Number one of the Region openly exposed some limitations that have retarded the concretization of development-oriented projects. He denounced the attitude of some unpatriotic civil servants who have continuously refused to render functional administrative structures and who go to the extent of using state vehicles for clandestine public transportation.

He continued by giving firm instructions to the native of the Ntem Valley division, South Region pertaining to the contribution of Mayors in the amelioration of living conditions of the population in various localities. For a second time, Governor Okalia Bilai rebuked Mayors who administer their council areas on phone. All mayors will in the near future be compelled to reside in their council areas or relinquish power to their assistants. 

Noteworthy is the fact that, it is Presidential Decree number 2014/186 of June 4, 2014 that appoints NTOU’OU NDONG Chamberlin at the  helm of the Ndian Division, in replacement of Babila Akaou, who will take command as S.D.O of Mora, Mayo Sava division (Far North Region) in the days to come.

Christelle TELEWOU (SWGO)