The Kendely Foundation, led by Chief Dr. Ndang Kenneth and his wife, Mafor Dr. Mrs. Ndang Delphine, has embarked on an ambitious project to construct a bridge in the Toh quarter of Mbengwi, Momo Division, in the North West Region of Cameroon. The foundation stone was laid on Saturday, March 9, 2025, in a ceremony attended by local authorities, traditional rulers, and the community.
This project marks the second bridge construction initiative by the Kendely Foundation in Mbengwi, following the Njimocho bridge project launched in February. The new bridge aims to connect the Toh quarter to other parts of Mbengwi, facilitating movement and economic activities and the bridge shall be called the Chief Law Bridge.
The laying of the foundation stone was filled with enthusiasm as the people of Mbengwi came out massively to witness the ceremony. The event was a testament to the community's excitement and gratitude for the project.
The ceremony reached its climax with the unveiling of a commemorative monument, which stood proudly at the entrance of the bridge. The monument bore an inscription that read: "The Foundation Of This bridge was laid on March 9th 2025 in Mbengwi,Toh Quater. The bridge is called Chief-Law Bridge donated by the president of Kendely Group of companies Chief Dr Ndang Keneth and wife Mafor Dr Mrs Ndang Delphine for Kendely Foundation in the presence of The administration of Momo Division, Mbengwi Sub-division, the municipal council for Mbengwi, the Ndang's family and the and the population of Mbengwi."
Mayor Ndangsah Kennedy of Mbengwi
Mayor Ndangsah Kennedy Akam expressed his gratitude to the Kendely Foundation, stating that the bridge's construction will enable the council to redirect funds initially allocated for the project to other pressing needs in the municipality. "The importance of this bridge cannot be overemphasized," Mayor Akam emphasized. "It will link two quarters in Mbengwi village, and the council is relieved that the Kendely Foundation has taken on this project."
The Fon of Mbengwi praised the Kendely Foundation's efforts, urging other elites from Mbengwi, Momo Division, and Cameroon to emulate their example. "The people of Mbengwi are very happy with what Chief Dr. Ndang Kenneth and his wife are doing for the community," the Fon said. "We want to say that the other elites of not only the Mbengwi village but Momo Division and Cameroon at large should emulate what they are doing so that we can build a better country."
Fouda Etaba Nicaise, SDO of Momo
The Senior Divisional Officer for Momo, Fouda Etaba Benoit Nicaise, testified to the Kendely Foundation's commitment to development, citing the construction of bridges in the Division "Through the Ndang Foundation, we have more than two bridges here in Mbengwi Municipality," Fuda Nicaise remarked. "As you know, the bridge is always a symbol of solidarity, unity, and prosperity." He said
The bridge project, valued at 15 million Francs CFA, is expected to be completed within 90 days. Chief Dr. Ndang Kenneth reflected on the motivation behind the project, saying, "We saw how our forefathers and parents went through challenges, and we want to come back and impact our community, to remove those tears and wipe them from their eyes."
However, the project's implementation has resulted in the destruction of some farms and crops. Chief Dr. Ndang Kenneth apologized to the affected farmers and pledged to provide compensation through a commission established by the Mayor. "I seize this opportunity to apologize to those that I have touched knowingly and unknowingly by this project, and I plead that just be calm and let your complaints reach us because I and my wife are going to compensate you accordingly."
In contrast, Mayor Kennedy views the destruction as an inevitable aspect of development, suggesting that farmers should consider the lost crops as an investment in Mbengwi's growth. Despite this, the Mayor acknowledged that some farmers had initially expressed concerns but were later placated after discussions. "I don't think there will be a need for any compensations because some farmers came to me, and we discussed."
The ceremony was attended by a large crowd, who expressed their gratitude to the Kendely Foundation for their generosity. The construction of the bridge is expected to have a significant impact on the community, improving access to markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
As the project progresses, the Kendely Foundation has pledged to work closely with the local community to ensure that their needs are met and that the project is completed to the highest standards. The foundation's commitment to development and community engagement has been praised by local leaders, who see the project as a model for future initiatives.
The Kendely Foundation's bridge construction project in Mbengwi is a significant development that will have a lasting impact on the community. The Kendely foundation's commitment to community engagement, development, and generosity has set a high standard for others to follow.
By
Munya Charles Babila
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