Development of Dja Forest Reserve : Gov’t Envisages Support To Locals

As Cameroon gears up for major development of the Dja Forest Reserve; in the South and East Regions, the government is taking matters into its hands to ensure environmental and social aspects of the different projects are properly handled. Initially, the government in 2014 created the Integrated Development and Planning Programme of the Dja Mining Loop and the Adjacent Border Area (PADIDja); an outfit charged with the coordination of the development of socio- economic infrastructures that are considered necessary, including mining infrastructure, roads, and hydroelectricity power dams.

Now, a memorandum of understanding has been signed between two government ministries to offer new socio-economic opportunities to people affected by the project. The MoU was officialised in Yaounde, Tuesday November 5, 2019, by the Minister of Economy, Planning and Regional Development, Alamine Ousmane Mey and the Minister of Social Affairs, Pauline Irene Nguene. According to Minister Alamine, government is keen on protecting the vast fragile ecological zone, while making sure development in the area is inclusive and places man at the center.

The Minister noted that the MoU will go a long way to minimise any hardship which could be caused as a result of the development of the Dja biosphere. Several projects including agro-industry are planned for the area as the government seeks to achieve a 5.5 per cent growth rate by 2020. The Minister of Social Affairs said the MoU will focus on giving communities in the Dja area access to basic social services such as health, water, electricity, transport, telecoms, civil status, amongst others....