The Special National Solidarity Fund created by President Paul Biya to finance all operations in the fight against Corona Virus in Cameroon, has been received with mixed feelings by Cameroonians.
Many have lauded the initiative by the Head of State in creating such a fund.
“This is a very good initiative taken by the Head of State and the solidarity fund will bridge the gap between the poor and the rich in combating the virus” said Joshua in Bamenda. “With the National Solidarity Fund, it will go a long way to combat the Covid-19” he added.
Meanwhile, other Cameroonians who shared their views to News Upfront, ridiculed the effort by President Biya to knock out the pandemic.
Most are not satisfied with the idea for Cameroonian citizens to contribute financially in the struggle arguing that the government should be up to the task for it’s their responsibility.
“In other countries like Rwanda, President Kagame has ordered free food delivery to its citizens amidst a national lockdown. Other governments have cut utility bills, asked landlords not to collect rents for a set duration since several activities have been halted to curb the spread of the virus but in our case, the government is asking us to contribute” said a Yaounde inhabitants who prefers anonymity.
Boris, a Buea denizen sharing his impression on the creation said “I don’t think I can donate anything do this government to support any program. If they could raise money for themselves to purchase arms for the fight against our brothers and sisters in the North West and South West regions, they can as well raise funds from anywhere to finance the project.”
Others quickly took to social media to downplay the Presidential largesse of 1 Billion Frs CFA comparing it with previous major spendings in the country.
They cited the Major National Dialogue with a about 100 billion Frs CFA, Military funds for the fight against Separatists’ actions in North West and South West Regions with 75 billion Frs CFA, the humanitarian assistance fund for victims of the Anglophone crisis with 12 bilion FCFA and the February 9 Twin Elections with 10 billion Frs CFA whereas a pandemic which has grounded several economic activities in the country is given just 1 billion.
Given the magnitude of the pandemic many critics say the Presidential support should have been far above the 1 billion Frs CFA.
However, some business magnets in the country have already begun following the example of President Biya in making donations to fight the spread of the pandemic.
Northwest based business tycoon, Dan Pollo has contributed the sum of 100 million Frs CFA via the Ministry of Public Health, a day after the creation of the Special National Solidarity Fund.
_By Macwalter Njapteh_
