Bermin is located in Nguti Sub Division, Kupe Muanenguba Division of the South West Region. It is one of the villages of the Bakossi tribe. Bermin is made up of four main quarters; Ndibe, Kukum, Meteng, Ngomin. It has an estimated population of about 500 inhabitants.
According of Nhon Ewungolle Gabriel, the eldest notable of Bermin, the village evolved from an isolated farm land to a hamlet, and presently, to a village. He said Bermin village came about in the 1800s and was founded by three brothers viz; Ebohunkem, Ekoke and Epomombe
Touristic features
Speaking to The Ultimate, Epie Andemie, an elite of Bermin said the village is located between Lake Bermin and the Ekwe River which are its main natural touristic potentials.
He said the lake is a Crater Lake formed as a result of volcanic and tectonic activities, found 94 meters above sea level. He added that the lake is uniquely named Lake Bermin, after the Bermin Village.
Fishing at Lake Bermin
According to Epie, Lake Bermin is endowed with enormous fish species as per the works of researchers like James Grimshur, Martin Christopher amongst others, who worked in the Bermin village. He said the researchers discovered seven tilapia fish species in Lake Bermin, rarely found in other lakes. Epie mentioned the various species which include; tilapia, gotoroza, bitubate, taisy, bermini, bakusorium, spungotortoise.
He said Lake Bermin has the potentials to feed the entire South West Region with fishes if developed and nurtured. He said locals carry out fishing activities daily for subsistence.
Epie narrated that with the absence of a canoe to navigate the lake, locals have adapted the truck of a tree as canoe which they use to navigate the lake.
“We carry out fishing with the use of hooks. And apart from fishing there are beautiful flowers found in the lake which are very medicinal.” Epie added.
However, Epie lamented that despite the beauty and richness of Lake Bermin, Cameroonians an unaware of this great touristic potential in Nguti Sub Division.
He said lack of exposure and the inaccessible nature of the road to Bermin is a great handicap. Epie regretted that the road to Bermin from Bangem is a footpath accessible only in the dry season.
“The roads to Bermin is a problem, talk less of descending down to the lake shores. ” The elite cried.
He said this will be a powerful source of revenue to the government and will provide employment to youths who shall be engaged in modern fishing. “If we talk of Cameroon and emergence, Lake Bermin should be developed and the Ekwe waterfall exploited to generate electricity to the population.” He added.
Ekwe Waterfall
Meanwhile, Etuge Ekine George, National President of Bermin Development Association, BEDA, disclosed that apart from the lake, Bermin is also blessed with an attractive waterfall flowing over the Ekwe River precisely at the entrance to the village with a very high volume and energy, which is capable of electrifying the entire village.
Ironically we don’t have electricity. If the government exploits this waterfall, Bermin and the entire Kupe Muanenguba will not suffer blackouts any longer.
Etuge pleaded that Lake Bermin and Ekwe Waterfall are tourist jewels in despair in Kupe Muanenguba Division. “We therefore plead with the Mayor of Nguti Council, the Minister of Tourism and Leisure and the Minister of Public Works to actively disenclave Bermin and beautify the Lake for touristic attraction.” The President added.
By Glovise Forsoh
