Visionary Reports

Minister of Decentralization and Local Development, Georges Elanga Obam, visited Douala on Wednesday, September 10, 2025, to assess the progress of the Douala III Municipality’s expansion project after a successful tour to the moungo Division earlier.The visit provided an opportunity for the Minister to see firsthand how decentralization and local development efforts are being implemented on the ground.The extensive project includes a new building with a 14-car basement parking lot, 78 offices across multiple floors, three meeting rooms, and 42 restrooms. The original council hall is also undergoing a significant renovation, which will result in 11 new offices on the ground floor, 10 on the first floor, a new auditorium, and four additional meeting rooms. The Minister expressed his satisfaction with the quality of the work.Meanwhile,according to the Mayor of Douala III, Valentin Epoupa Bossambo, this expansion is a clear example of the successful decentralization championed by President Paul Biya.”In a single term, we’ve transformed the look and face of the Douala III City Hall with a brand new building and the rehabilitation of the old hall,” the Mayor stated. “This project demonstrates that through Decentralization, we can accelerate development and increase our capacity.”

The new building will serve as the administrative hub for the Douala III council, while the renovated old hall will house the municipal revenue, financial control, and Campost offices. “With the implementation of local taxation, Campost is becoming a key player in municipal accounting,” the Mayor added.Minister Elanga Obam underscored the government’s commitment to decentralization and local development. He noted that his ministry, MINDDEVEL, is primarily responsible for evaluating and monitoring the implementation of decentralization and overseeing local authorities.To this end, the Minister encouraged the Mayor of Douala III to speed up the completion of the old council hall’s renovation. He concluded by thanking the media for their continuous support in covering the ministry’s initiatives.