COVID-19 DEFENCE: BAMENDA II MAYOR BONDS WITH
QUARTER HEADS
BY MILDRED NDUM WUNG KUM
Mayor Chenwi Peter was acting in a move to build a
wall against coronavirus in his sub divisional council area. With full
knowledge on the current law of Decentralisation in Cameroon, he rallied
quarter heads from various villages that make up Bamenda two Sub Divisional
Council, handed them sanitary items including buckets, soaps, and toilet rolls
. The ceremony took place at the Epic Event Center, Bamenda April 9 2020.
The mayor noted
that the presence of 116 quarter heads from the four villages Mbatu , Mankon,
Chomba and Snogwa that make up the council was encouraging. Before handing them
items to help prevent COVID-19, quarter heads were cautioned on appropriate
measures in the fight against the virus. On invitation by the council, health
officials drilled them with knowledge on coronavirus. Emphasis was laid on the
use of water and soap in washing hands, use 96% alcoholic sanitizers for the
hands, use of decontaminated solution for surfaces, stay at home, avoiding
handshakes, avoid travelling, avoid hugging and crowds among others. Stress was
also laid on the incubation period and symptoms of the virus. Also they were
told to dial the hotline 1510 when
one is noticed with symptoms of the virus which could be dry cough, fever,
breathing difficulty, runny nose, itchy throat, headache, diarrhoea and painful
muscles.
Also present at
the ceremony was the Divisional Officer of Bamenda Two Tanyi Akwo Roquecegnol
who together with the mayor and deputy handed items to the chiefs, enjoining
them to collaborate with the administration to fight against both health and
security challenges in their respective villages within the council
jurisdiction.
“If we look at the situation in the northwest
region we must say we thank God for everything because even though COVID is at
a high rate, this our region is at the observant stage but the public is highly
aware and so we have gone extra miles at the level of Bamenda two council to
make sure we provide these equipments to quarter heads to further assist their
council and people in their community. It is not easy for us to go anywhere so
we have to work with the quarter heads from the four villages that make up
Bamenda II Council” Mayor Chenwi Peter said while talking to the press in a
gang interview on the subject. The mood was one of satisfaction from quarter
heads who received items to be used against COVID.
“I do appreciate
this because it’s first of its kind. I have been quarter head for over eight
years but I have never had an opportunity like this from any mayor. So I’m
happy with the gesture because it would help my community in fighting against
coronavirus. I am at the heart of town where I receive many people so the items
would really help. I would do my best to collaborate with the council on issues
of development” Chungong George head of Ntamulung neighbourhood expressed
feelings.
The feeling was
the same with Fonchingong Celestine,
head of Mawatsu neighbourhood- Mile 8 Mankon who said “I am happy for this
gesture. If they can keep penetrating the grassroots then it is the most
successful way in working. The items they gave would be used by the community. I
would place the buckets and soaps at the quarter council hall so that anybody
coming in would wash hands before interacting with people. The mayor also
talked of insecurity and I think it is very important because we are facing
security challenges and quarter heads need collaboration in stamping out insecurity.”
With sanitary
items having been distributed to quarter heads, the two parties; chiefs and
mayor look forward to more collaboration in matters of building their
jurisdiction. The Bamenda II Council Office is shut from the council’s usage,
the second deputy mayor of Bamenda two Angwafor Louis is in captivity. The two
complexities are allegedly being orchestrated by separatist fighters. The Mayor
noted that the challenge requires collaboration.
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