Cameroon: Housing Minister sheds light on government’s readiness to work with diaspora for economic development

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Coutes has called on Cameroonians based out of the country to work with the government to speed up economic growth.
Laying more emphasis on land acquisition, she mentioned that accommodation and land have been made available for them to acquire “we have about 10 percent of accommodation establishments reserved in Douala, Yaounde, and six other regions where the Head of State has ensured that these structures be set up. It is open to the diaspora” the Minister indicated.
Their role in eliminating poverty in Africa was also highlighted as one of the key reasons why they need to work alongside the State. With the fact acknowledged, some of the Cameroonians concerned have expressed the difficulties they are facing.
“We have problems first as a result of double nationality. It is not possible for someone with double nationality to come and buy land in Cameroon. One will need to find other ways” Samuel Erve Mandeng, Cameroonian who lives in Canada, commented.
“Another problem is our family members, who help and encourage us to invest in the country but knowing well that we cannot do it at times, without being victims of fraud” he added.
Although there is still reluctance exercised by a number of Cameroonians in the diaspora, the government hopes to be convincing enough to make them invest in their home country without fear or difficulties.
Written by Pavel Joseph Nyuysuliy – Journalist