Unprecedented Turnout at Nyabizan!

From observation, if the history of the South Region and especially that of the 20-year-old Ntem Valley Division were written before June 15, 2012, it would have been incomplete. Never in the history of the locality had there been an event of the magnitude of the laying of the foundation stone for the multibillion-Franc Memve'ele Hydroelectric Dam like was the case in Nyabizan last Friday June 15. And the turnout of people, added to other side attractions, lend credence to this assertion.

From the Ocean Division, passing through Mvila, Dja et Lobo to the Ntem Valley Divisions, the turnout of people both resident within and without the region, was to say the least, unprecedented. The bad state of the road from Meyo Centre to the project village in Nyabizan notwithstanding, thousands of people and dance groups started converging on Nyabizan as early as 7 am. They then took vantage positions at the ceremonial ground so as not to miss any detail of the historic event. From one end of the ceremonial ground to the other, 'Akiba Paul Biya!' or 'Thank You Paul Biya!' was portrayed in song, dance and banners.

The joy of the population reached the apex at midday when the Presidential helicopter touched down at the heliport. Thousands had already gathered there to catch a glimpse of the one they severally described as the architect of peace, unity and prosperity of Cameroon. From the speeches of the Mayor of Ma'an Council, Ndongo Ela Samson and the representative of the elite of the South, Mve Elemva Emmanuel, it was evident that the locality had never hosted such an event that left the people feeling so fulfilled.

The cold breeze from the nearby River Ntem on which the dam is to be built and the flags of Cameroon and China that covered the area, fanned groups like 'Sans Rival de Mendjimi,' 'Nkon Koa' and 'Presby Valley de Ntem,' among others, to unending displays. They never ceased to praise the cordial bilateral relations between Cameroon and China, "which have rekindled our hope because time has come to move from long-drawn talk to real action that will not only supply additional 201 megawatts of electricity for both industrial and domestic use, but as well create employment opportunities for our many unemployed youth."

Like the songs and banners, the Mayor said, "We no longer doubt the execution of the project because the ongoing construction of the access road, the payment of compensation to the affected population, the funds already mobilised for the project and the enthusiasm of the executing firm Sinohydro Corporation Limited to respect the 54-month deadline, are telling indeed of time for action."

From his speech through communing with the population after the event, the Head of State's visit to Nyabizan ignited ecstasy in the population and they used every available means to pledge their unalloyed attachment to his ideals. At the same time, they prayed for the tarring of the Mayo Centre-Nyabizan-Campo road which they said would facilitate movement to the area.