Bafut Council Champions Grassroots Sanitation with Municipality-Wide Equipment Donation
In a landmark move to elevate environmental hygiene and foster civic responsibility, the Bafut Council has officially launched a sweeping sanitation campaign by donating essential equipment to all 54 villages within its jurisdiction. The symbolic and impactful handover ceremony took place on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Bafut Council Hall.
This initiative, valued at over 100 million FCFA, is part of a broader community development and sanitation program financed by the Ministry of Decentralization and Local Development (MINDEVEL). The distribution included a wide range of tools; wheelbarrows, spades, dig axes, writing boards, and other sanitation materials, carefully allocated according to the specific needs of each village. Dignitaries at the event included traditional rulers, quarter heads, youth leaders, and development association members, representing the collective heartbeat of the Bafut community. Each attendee bore witness to what many described as a defining moment in the council’s decentralization efforts.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence, speaking at the ceremony, underscored the importance of the initiative as both a health and development milestone. “Today’s donation is not just about tools, it is a call to action. We are empowering our people to take ownership of their environments. Cleaner villages translate into healthier families, greater tourism appeal, and a more dynamic local economy,” the Mayor remarked. He further revealed that in addition to the distributed tools, the Council has acquired a dump truck and tricycles to facilitate door-to-door waste collection, with a view toward recycling and sustainable waste management.
Community voices echoed the Mayor’s sentiments. Representing the Mankwi community, Ngwaka Angeline commended the Council for its inclusive approach to governance and lauded the initiative as a model for effective decentralization. “This effort speaks volumes about the Council’s dedication to holistic development. Including all 54 villages ensures that no community is left behind,” she noted.
Local leaders expressed appreciation for the timely support, especially as the rainy season heightens the risk of waterborne diseases due to poor waste disposal. Chiefs pledged to mobilize villagers regularly for clean-up campaigns and to ensure the equipment is put to good use. Public health and development experts have applauded the Council’s strategy, citing its alignment with national objectives to promote sustainable sanitation, curb urban migration, and stimulate community-led solutions.
Looking ahead, the Bafut Council announced plans to organize training workshops focused on tool maintenance, coordinated clean-up strategies, and best practices in waste management. These sessions aim to ensure the longevity and effectiveness of the initiative. With this decisive action, Bafut is positioning itself as a regional leader in community-driven environmental reform. One village at a time.
