Visionary Reports

This was during the first ordinary session for the 2025 financial year

Council in Session

A grim review of the 2024 management accounts for Douala III Municipality on Monday 14 April 2025 revealed a significant 22% drop in revenue collection compared to the previous year. This was mainly attributed to delayed fund transfers and revised control procedures. This first ordinary session, held in the midst of grief following the assassination of Councillor Alain Armand Nouma, was chaired by the Senior Divisional Officer for Wouri, Sylyac Marie Mvogo.The meeting began with a minute’s silence in honour of the late Councillor Nouma, whose tragic death cast a pall over the proceedings. Despite the emotional atmosphere, Mayor Valentin Epoupa Bossambo continued with the report, highlighting the challenges facing his administration.

Delibrations

Key Challenges and Performance:- Delayed Fund TransfersMayor Epoupa Bossambo cited the late disbursement of only 40% of the expected General Operating Grant from the Douala city council as a major impediment.- Revised Control Procedures:New instructions on control missions i2024n Douala delayed forced collections, further impacting revenue generation.- Revenue Decline: The municipality achieved 70.8% budget execution in revenue, a notable decrease from 92.9% in 2023, 89.9% in 2022, 74.7% in 2021, and 54.3% in 2020.* Financial Figures: Actual revenue generated in 2024 total 4,590,818,163 CFA francs, compared to 5,919,862,745 CFA francs in 2023, against a final budget of 6,486,500,000 CFA francs.*Perspectives and Recommendations:Despite the challenges, the Senior Divisional Officer Sylyac Marie Mvogo, acknowledged the municipal executive’s efforts. “We can already rejoice and congratulate the municipal executive. The administrative account for the 2024 financial year was unanimously approved. This demonstrates the harmonious work being done at this municipal institution,” he stated.However, he also emphasized the impact of the “gloomy global economy” and urged the mayor to “renew his enthusiasm for work by exploring all the wealth niches” to improve revenue collection.

Summary of financial data:* 2024 Revenue execution: 70.8%* 2024 Revenue generated: 4,590,818,163 CFA francs* 2023 Revenue generated: 5,919,862,745 CFA francs* 2024 Final budget: 6,486,500,000 CFA francs.* 22% revenue decrease from 2023 to 2024.Nevertheless this review underscores the financial pressures facing Douala III, compounded by external economic factors and internal administrative challenges. The municipality now faces the task of implementing the SDO’s recommendations to bolster its revenue streams and maintain its operational capacity.

By Henry Wana