Four contractors bidding for the construction and installation of the Plantain Processing Factory in Bangem, have approved Project New Bell, Bangem, as the most suitable site for the factory.
This was confirmed on August 24, 2024, during a site visit by the contractors to Bangem Sub Division.
The contractors were accompanied by the South West Regional Delegate of Agriculture and Rural Development, MINADER, Ntapi Jackson, the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher, the Divisional Delegate, MINADER, Kupe Muanenguba, Ngoe Ngoe Oscar, Henry Nzuoubontane of RUYOLSUDEV, representing farmers, amongst other stakeholders.
The team after visiting Ekambeng, Elum and Project-New Bell, Bangem, concluded that Project-New Bell is the most suitable site, considering its proximity to the three phase electricity plant and constant flow of water needed for the project.
Speaking to The Ultimate, the Regional Delegate disclosed that the tender for the construction and installation of the Plantain Production Factory was launched on the 10th of July 2024 by the African Development Bank, ADB. He said in order to produce a bid that is reflective of the factory site, the contractors had to visit Bangem.
Ntapi said the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Mbairobe Gabriel had written to the Mayor of Bangem Council for a site for the factory. He said they were happy that the Project-New Bell Bangem site chosen by the Mayor is suitable for the factory.
According to the Regional Delegate, the choice of Bangem for the processing unit is best because Bangem is the production basin of plantain in the South West Region.
“I believe this project will orchestrate socio-economic change in the lives of the population”. He added.
Meanwhile, Mayor Ekungwe said he is extremely happy and satisfied with the launching of the contract of the factory and the visit of contractors.
He said they are expecting to receive Minister Mbairobe in Bangem very soon for the laying of the foundation stone of the factory at the project site.
The Mayor said farmers were frustrated at the failure of the last plantain festival in Bangem because they expected the minister to say something about the processing unit. “Though the festival failed, the substance, which is the processing unit did not fail. I doff my hat to the government of Cameroon and particularly, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development”. He added.
Ekungwe said since the factory will produce three tons of plantain flour daily, this will give a wider market to plantain farmers, saving them from the hooks of exploitative buyers.
He hoped the daily production capacity of the processing unit will be expanded in the nearest future.
Also, Nzuobontane, on behalf of Bangem farmers said they have been seriously waiting for the processing unit and their dreams have come to fruition seeing contractors in the field.
He encouraged plantain farmers to get to work and expand their production capacity for enough supplies to the factory.
By Olive Ejang
