AKONO: Small town, big problems
The locality is plagued with a number of difficulties which have contributed in slowing down development efforts
By Clarice TARKANG
According to the Divisional Officer Ngah-Ngosso Guy Leo, the area has many obstacles to overcome before it can emerge out of its near slumber state. One of these is transportation, which he said is a disorganized sector, with the lack of a trade union to regulate the activities. Taxis are non existent and the population is condemned to use the few commercial motor cycles that are available, to move about. This the D.O further explained has made the problem more acute because the riders are inexperienced and possess no driving licenses. The situation has led to many accidents, some of them fatal especially as there is no use of helmets.
Access to water and light is another preoccupation the inhabitants of Akono have to grapple with. Statistics from the D.O's office indicate that only about 40% of the region is electrified. The frequent power supply cuts have not improved matters as the few economic activities the town boasts of are disrupted.
Potable water is generated by bore holes, a project initiated by the catholic mission in partnership with foreign donors. The water is used for drinking and other household chores. However, there arises a maintenance problem as these mechanical devices are victims of frequent breakdowns. As the D.O said, the setting up of a management committee is in the pipeline, aimed at taking care of such matters. This is to encourage the people actively take part in the development of their own community. They will be urged to contribute a token sum of money in order to ensure that minor repairs to be carried out urgently, are not left undone.
Socio economic
Youth unemployment has gradually gained grounds in Akono. Here and there, young men can be seen hanging around drinking spots, while others busy themselves with the popular game of Songo'o, which in the region has attained a status of its own. Idleness and wandering seem to be the order of the day. It has been observed that there is a rural exodus. There is a scramble to get jobs in the city. According to the youths, the region does not offer them enough opportunities to exploit their potentials.
The lack of jobs has also led to an increased crime rate. Cases of armed attacks have been reported, leaving many in difficult situations and adding misery to frustration! Many have resorted to the consumption of illicit drugs which they say help them blot out their uncertain future. This quite bleak picture has left many wondering about how to get out of a tunnel that seems not only dark, but almost unending.
The way forward
A closer look at the situation brings a number of issues to the limelight. With the abundant expanse of unexploited land at the disposal of the population, the question arises as to why it is not put in use, to promote food self sufficiency. Economic activities among youths are almost non existent. Many have complained that the elites of the region have not been of great help, but one also wonders what they in turn have done to get out of the situation they find themselves in. It can be noticed that even on market days, traders come from out of the subdivision. There is the need to raise awareness on the efforts everyone can put in place to contribute in moving the region a step higher.
Akono has been a subdivision for decades now, but there is little or almost nothing to show for it. The various problems have served to reinforce the idea of a place where nothing positive may result from. The catholic mission though refutes this assertion. Like the D.O explained, many have to put aside the notion that the best things come from the city. Until this is done however, the hand must be put to the plough. It has been said that development follows where a road passes. Hopefully, Akono will be no different. It begins with taking a hoe or machete, one portion of land at a time!
|
||
• © WEBCAMEROON.NET 2008 - Contact : webmaster@webcameroon.net - Tous droits reservés •
|
||
