Councilors of Tombel Council, Kupe Muanenguba Division, South West Region, have adopted their 2024 administrative, management and stores accounts of the council.
The councilors in a close to three-hour session that took place on July 10, 2025, also questioned the Mayor, Ngassa Rose on the low execution rate of projects by Tombel Council.
In a joint committee report on the 2024 accounts signed by the chairpersons of the finance committee, Eselle Rene Elage, health committee, Ngome Charles Esole, works committee, Peter Enongene, economic development and inter council partnership, Kangson Neville Ngwesse and education, sports and socio cultural, Njume Rennet Ekane, they said the execution rate of projects in Tombel municipality is too poor.
The Councilors revealed that compared to other councils in the division, Tombel Council has zero execution rate for eight projects.
They said money budgeted for equipment and market collections is low, whereas there are many markets in the municipality, and equipment producing much money for the council. “Are we budgeting less to collect more for private pockets?” They questioned.
The councilors further pointed that on Head 620 109 reserves for youth employment program, FCFA 10 million was budgeted and only FCFA 300.000 was spent. They questioned why an insignificant amount was spent on this. “Again, the government has allocated money for the vulnerable population. Why is this money not reaching them?” They further questioned.
The councilors also pointed that FCFA 20 million was budgeted for road maintenance but only FCFA 1.464.750 was spent. “What explanation can be given to this, when we have equipment and bad roads. Look at the roads leading to the council premises, the hospital, and even the markets.” They added.
The committee heads in their report asked the Mayor why she is stubborn to implement many recommendations from councilors. They observed that FCFA 7 million was budgeted for National Social Insurance Fund, CNPS for workers but nothing was spent.
They questioned why the accounts session is taking place in July instead of March according to the law.
Mayor Ngassa Respond
Responding to the worries, Ngassa said the session is takng place in July because of the lack of funds. She said they planned to hold the session before May 2025 but because CNPS blocked their account, they couldn’t have their session. “I am supposed to be sure that we have money before calling for a session. I apologize for that.” She clarified.
Ngassa added that with about 50 workers, Tombel council is trying hard to pay workers’ monthly salaries against all odds. According to the Mayor, there are councils in Kupe Muanenguba owing about nine months of salary to workers.
“I am happy when you said the mayor is stubborn. Sometimes it is good to be stubborn to handle delicate issues. If I am not stubborn, you will be cajoling me to sign documents wrongly and when control comes, you will not be there.” she added.
Ngassa told the councilors to come to her office for further clarifications when in doubt.
SDO’s Remarks
In his remarks, the Senior Divisional Officer of Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema William was dissatisfied that though Tombel council is the strongest in Kupe Muanenguba, it is lagging in all perspective.
He said after several reminders on the need to hold their session, he only received an invitation the previous day for the 2024 accounts session.
While appreciating the council for improving hygiene and sanitation of the municipality, Mungambo told the mayor to grant holiday jobs to students to boost the cleanliness of the town.
He advised the mayor to speed up with the realization of projects in the municipality for 2025.
By Ahone Jessy
