Neglected for too long: Menchum elite take dev’t challenges to PM, presidency.

The delegation led by the Mayor of Wum, Dighambong Anthony Mvo, was received in audience Tuesday April 7 by the Prime Minister, Head of Government, Dr Chief Joseph Ngute and the Director of the Civil Cabinet at the Presidency of the Republic, His Excellency Samuel Mvondo Ayolo.

The visit came in the wake of the announced imminent tarring of the long abandoned 80km long Wum-Bamenda stretch of road.

The Mayor Dighambong Anthony-led delegation to Yaounde was made up of elite of the division including Menchum South Member of Parliament, MP, Hon Wallang Richard Ebua, the Fon of Aghem, HRM Bahmbi III, the Fon of Waindo, HRM Noah Nndung, Fungnsen Patricia, Kang Elizabeth, and Ardo Mamah.

The delegation began the crucial visit at the Prime Minister’s Office, where they were received by PM Joseph Dion Ngute. 

During the meeting, the delegation outlined the major challenges facing Wum Subdivision and Menchum Division as a whole, before pleading for swift and effective government action to address the pressing needs of the population. 

Emphasis was placed on infrastructure development and the urgent restoration of basic services.

“We went to thank the Prime Minister for the announced tarring of the Wum-Bamenda road. We gave them gifts including a royal stool and a staff. The main discussion was on the Wum-Bamenda,” Mayor Dighambong who led the delegation told The Guardian Post after the audience.

He continued that: “The Prime Minister told us during the meeting that ‘Mr Mayor, this year, I have two road projects to follow up personally-the Kumba-Ekondo Titi road and the Wum-Bamenda road and you will to have to be in Yaounde every two months for us to evaluate the progress of these works”.

Meanwhile, in a separate audience at the Presidency, the Menchum delegation was same day, received by the Director of the Civil Cabinet, His Excellency Samuel Mvondo Ayolo. 

Discussions during the presidency audience focused on drawing the attention of the highest office of the land to the situation in Wum and the need for high-level intervention to accelerate development projects in the area.

Throughout the discussions, the Menchum delegation consistently highlighted the pressing need for the tarring of the Wum–Bamenda road, the restoration of electricity, and the rehabilitation of potable water supply systems in Wum.

They emphasized that the continued absence of these essential services is adversely affecting livelihoods, hindering economic activities, and limiting access to healthcare and education.

The delegation expressed optimism that their message has been clearly conveyed at the highest levels and that concrete steps will be taken in the near future. 

Their efforts reflect a sustained commitment by local authorities, traditional leaders, and community stakeholders to advocate for meaningful development and improved living conditions in the area.

It should be recalled that audiences came days after the councilors of the Wum Council had issued a motion of support to thank government for the planned tarring of the Wum-Bamensa.

The message of gratitude was expressed during a session to examine the 2025 administrative, management and stores accounts of the Wum Council.

During the session, Mayor Dighambong had recounted that: “We promised during the budget session that we shall be celebrating the 75^th anniversary of the Wum Council this year. Some of our main challenges…were the completion of the town hall…the construction of the Bamenda – Wum road. It gives me delight to thank and appreciate the Head of State for instructing the minister of Public Works to include the road in the 2026 budget of the State”.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3760 of Tuesday April 14, 2026