SDF Condemns Illegal Fees and Demands Reform in Cameroon’s South Region
On January 16, 2025, the SDF criticized illegal fees for public services in Cameroon’s South Region, highlighting disparities between administrators’ lavish lifestyles and inadequate resources for citizens. They proposed reallocating funds to purchase essential equipment instead of expensive vehicles, urging reforms for improved public service and accountability. The situation calls for the government to address these concerns substantively.
On January 16, 2025, the South Regional Executive Committee of the Social Democratic Front (SDF) condemned the unauthorized fees imposed on citizens for public services that are legally free. In a correspondence to Felix Nguele Nguele, Governor of the South Region, the SDF highlighted alleged exploitative practices within administrative units, contrasting them sharply with the lavish lifestyles of some administrators.
The SDF reported that residents across the 29 subdivisions in the South Region are compelled to pay between 5,000 and 7,000 CFA francs for essential administrative services, such as document processing. Citizens who refuse to pay these fees face the risk of their applications being denied, in addition to bearing costs for the transportation of their files to relevant agencies. The issue is exacerbated by the lack of basic office equipment and frequent power outages.
The SDF criticized the evident disparity between the opulence of regional administrators and the inadequate facilities available for public service. Each sub-prefect enjoys access to a government-funded vehicle valued at approximately 50 million CFA francs, along with housing and fuel allowances. The party pointed out that while substantial sums have been allocated for vehicles, less funding is directed toward necessary office equipment.
To address these challenges, the SDF proposed a pragmatic, cost-efficient alternative. Rather than investing in high-priced service vehicles, they recommend utilizing that budget for essential equipment, including desktop computers, printers, and backup generators across the subdivisions, which would greatly enhance service delivery.
The SDF called for comprehensive reforms aimed at improving public administration efficiency and equitably distributing resources among citizens. They emphasized that reallocating funds towards essential infrastructure not only benefits public service provision but also alleviates the financial hardships that citizens face due to illegal fees. The question remains whether the government will heed these recommendations and address the concerns voiced by both citizens and opposition parties.
The South Region of Cameroon has seen widespread discontent regarding the imposition of illegal fees for services that are supposed to be free. The SDF’s criticism reflects broader frustrations among citizens about corruption and extravagance within the government as essential services remain underfunded. This issue highlights the need for fiscal responsibility and accountability in public spending, particularly in the face of the challenges faced by ordinary citizens.
The SDF’s denunciation of illegal fees and excessive spending underscores the urgent need for reform in Cameroon’s public administration. By advocating for smart resource allocation, the party emphasizes the potential for improved public service delivery while easing the financial burden on citizens. The effectiveness of these calls for reform depends on the government’s willingness to implement changes and ensure transparency in its operations.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
