Northwest mayors angry at gov't over unpaid salaries

The councilors of the North West Region have again expressed deep worries as to why the government is still dragging its feet on the salary issue for mayors and allowances to councilors.

The councilors expressed these worries in Bamenda, on Saturday in Bamenda during an impromptu meeting of the interim executive of Association of North West Councilors (ANWEC).

Martin Fon Yembe, the interim President who doubles as the 1st Deputy Mayor for Ndu Council was positive that the government is serious this time around, even if the delay is becoming too heavy to bear.

Martin Yembe assured his colleagues that there are indicators that all has been put in place for the salaries to be paid very soon before schools resume in September, but quickly added that with the Yaounde government, one never can say for sure.

The impromptu meeting was convened to identify some prominent councilors who will be contacted to work on the final status of the ANWEC and chart the way forward. The members took the opportunity to discuss the ongoing imbroglio surrounding the cut in subsidy of petroleum products which will affect the people at the base the most.

Given that councilors are the very first and direct leaders who will have to grapple with the realities, ANWEC felt that it should take a stand on the issue. Reason why the councilors resolved to protect consumers at the base and be in touch with the authorities to check any exploitation of the citizens at the base.

It should be recalled that in March, Minister Emmanuel Rene Sadi of MINAT-D assured parliament that all was in place to start the payment of salaries to mayors. Four months have sailed by and we are hearing nothing, while these councilors are busy with work on the field, and Senators who are virtually swimming in the epicurean luxury in Yaoundé earn millions.