Magzi retrieves 20 Hectares of land in Bassa

The quarters popularly known as 'quartier Bamenda' in Bassa, Douala recently became very tensed as many families recieved news to relocate by the Mission of planning and management of Industrial Zones (Magzi, due to forced demolitions.

After several summons and warnings to people, Magzi has began to reclaim its land. They should not be occupied as construction of new establishment of industries is soon to start. "The last summation we received dates back a month ago", says a victim, but since then, not many people have moved. Information however came today obliging everyone to vacate the area.

"We are trying to make things orderly to avoid any discomfort," said Cyrille M., employee in a wood processing company and resident of the neighbourhood. For some, they need to save what they can before demolition begins while others attempt to recover what has been destroyed. "We have been here since 8 o'clock in the morning. Our job is to retrieve the land," said Hervé N., Aes-Sonel agent.

According to the sub-prefect of Douala 3, Njoya Zakariaou who was at the site said, "it is an operation for the uprooting of the illegal occupants". "The industrial zone of Bassa was acquired by the State in 1968 following the 68-188-COR Decree of November 14, 1968, text that declared public utility development of the industrial zone of Bassa on 150 Hectares.

The property was expropriated and classified in the domain state private and made the object of land title 4073/W with an area of about 20 Ha. The work of the ad-hoc Commission tasked with identifying potential owners and holders of irregular titles, revealed that 1334 constructions have occupied the land.

Procedures were outlined after the awareness meetings, and Magzi appointed a bailiff to issue warnings. These notifications were distributed on July 18, 2014 giving a 30 days grace period. But many have refused to take such notifications of formal notice and tried to push people to a rebellion.

We held meetings of awareness with the various parties, it is not an abuse, but to put at the disposal of the industries, this land. The operation will continue for 3 or 4 days," explained Njoya Zakariaou.