Disputes and Procedures Of Obtaining Documents Costly.
The erasing of the federal system of government in favour of a unitary state by the former president Ahmadou Ahidjo, after a national referendum in May 20th, 1972, was embraced by Cameroonians who believed, citizens of all works of life will enjoy equal opportunities. After several years, of the deleting the federal system of government to a unitary state, the hopes of many have been dashed on the mire. Many are the citizens who are drowning in the pull of frustration, rejection, insults and torments . The country in few days to come will be commemorating the 49th national day under the theme “The nation’s army: Together to meet the challenges of health security and preserve the peace, stability and prosperity of Cameroon”.
The question that comes to the mind of many is what peace? what stability and prosperity are we canvasing for, when majority of the citizens are living under abject poverty, little or no farming land, construction land is not forth coming . The acquisition of land by the population is as difficult as passing a camel through the eye of a needle.
According to World Bank report of 2006, land disputes are common in Cameroon. To the financial house, the change of land use patterns are the major cause of the conflicts. Land degradation, increase in population and the absence of policies and rules to manage land disputes are common.
In the South West Region for example, the local authorities have always been in conflict with the population when it comes to land. In Fako Division in particular, land conflict is common as the traditional authorities tend to deprived the indegenes from getting land for either farming or construction.
According to Africa Development Bank, land disputes are commonly recorded in Cameroon. This is as a result of the fact that, the country’s cadastre and land records are poorly maintained. The requirements and procedures of registrying land in the country is not only, costly, and cumbersome but also tiring. Fraudulent land documents and land transactions, such as multiple simultanous sales of same property are very common.
Cameroons eyes are wide shot to see that the unity that is preached should not only be a theory but some that is implemented.
By Takang Bisong
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