By Neba Jerome Ambe
In a significant step toward improving rural infrastructure, the Mayor of Bafut, Ngwakongoh Lawrence, on Sunday, September 21, 2025, officially unveiled a newly acquired road grader to the people of Bafut. The machine, commonly known as a "caterpillar," is expected to play a critical role in addressing the area’s long-standing road challenges.
Mayor Ngwakongoh Lawrence talking to The Observer
The unveiling ceremony began in Nsoh-Bafut, where local traditional leader Chief Mofesi and hundreds of community members gathered to welcome the arrival of the grader. The mayor’s convoy then passed through Agyati, Nsem, and Njiteh, making a symbolic stop at the Bafut Main Market during peak market hours, creating a moment of celebration among residents.
“No to bad roads in Bafut, no to manual labour in Bafut. Here we have the magic to resolve our road problem issue!” the mayor declared to a crowd of enthusiastic traders and passersby. His speech turned what could have been a routine event into a rallying call for local development.
For decades, Bafut’s 54 villages have faced severe road degradation, especially along critical farm-to-market routes. This poor infrastructure has hindered economic growth, disrupted access to education and healthcare, and made agricultural transport increasingly burdensome for rural dwellers.
“The grader is for everyone,” Mayor Ngwakongoh emphasized. “It just needs to be fueled and dispatched where it's needed. Our focus is on farm-to-market roads and ensuring all 54 villages benefit equally.”
Grader received by Don Abumbi of Bafut
To symbolize its communal value, the machine has been stationed at the Fon’s Palace under the custodianship of His Royal Majesty Fon Abumbi II, who pledged to safeguard the equipment and promote its fair use.
A Caretaker Committee has been set up to manage the grader’s use, ensuring accountability, proper maintenance, and equitable scheduling across communities. Comprising representatives from various villages and operating under the supervision of the Fon, the committee is tasked with preventing misuse or monopolization.
“Proper usage and maintenance are guaranteed,” assured the mayor. “The committee has been instructed to ensure equal access across all communities. There is no cause for concern.”
This approach reflects a shift toward participatory governance, where local stakeholders play a central role in public service delivery—an increasingly important model in areas often bypassed by national infrastructure programs.
Bafut population rejoices
While the introduction of the grader has been met with optimism, community members and civil society organizations are watching closely to assess how effectively the machine is deployed. Several local groups have expressed interest in monitoring road rehabilitation efforts, suggesting the potential for citizen-led oversight in future phases of the project.
If managed effectively, Bafut’s grassroots model could serve as a replicable blueprint for rural councils across Cameroon and other regions facing similar infrastructure deficits.
As one market vendor put it during the mayor’s address: “This is the first time we’re seeing something like this. If we manage it well, our children won’t have to trek through mud to get to school anymore.”
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