Reference Documents for the Social Democratic Front

FOREWORD The SDF, in an ever-untiring effort to seek solutions to the political problems of Cameroon, here presents its ideas as to how power should devolve in Cameroon under the new dispensation. The SDF's proposals on 'Devolution of Power' are putting into concrete form and detail its avowed slogan of 'Power to the People'. Cameroonians have started on the hard road to democracy. The forward march to good government is irreversible now. As I said at the launching of our Party, "democracy, in essence, is about local people controlling their day - to -day affairs".

The SDF 'Devolution' is the result of experience drawn from the manner in which the Cameroon Nation has been structured and administered since independence. We are, all living witnesses of the ills that resulted in the wake of over centralisation. The SDF's proposals on devolution is not only meant to simplify the governmental structures and thus render them more efficient and effective but to get the common people themselves directly involved in their own governance. If the proposals are well taken, they could form the basis of our Constitutional Reform.

It is my wish and hope that all Cameroonians, no matter their political inclination, will find in this our blue-print of devolution useful ideas, which will open up a forum for debate. I commend it to all well﷓meaning citizens to study it thoroughly and if possible come up with such opinions that can help us find equitable solutions to the problems facing the Fatherland.

NI JOHN FRU NDI
NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

BAMENDA
September 1991

INTRODUCTION

The present proposals are intended to decentralise the Governmental Structure and bring it nearer to the people. The present system is bedevilled by over﷓centralisation of decision making with a huge bureaucracy at the centre very remote from the people it is supposed to serve.

The Cameroonians have been victims of this over﷓centralisation and a few examples may be cited here.

The painful and expensive follow-up of files (chasing of dossiers) in Yaounde by government employees and other citizens doing business with the government has been intensified at great expense to citizens. While following up their files, such employees leave or abandon their jobs undone for that period; yet they are paid at, the end of the month. What a loss to the Public Treasury and the economy in general?
Because of overcentralisation, documents from all over the country overcrowd offices in Yaounde. The result is that many documents due to inefficiency get missing. Some may be declared missing until the person concerned gives a bribe before they surface. Even when documents are recompiled there is no guarantee that they will not again be lost. The oppressive result of this to citizens is obvious.
In order to avoid fraud or induce brides, Cameroonians have been subjected to building up new files and furnishing in such files information that is supposed to be in their original records if such original records have been properly maintained. Why should a government 'worker who has served the government and been paid for over thirty years suddenly find on his retirement that he has to compile a new file in order to get paid his benefits as if he was a stranger to the government? How many retired people have been unable to get their retirement benefits because of this phenomenon of files getting lost and 'how many of them have died on the way to Yaounde in follow﷓up of their pension files?
Because of overcentralisation, even of appointments, have we not become victims of tribalism, nepotism, corruption, etc.?
Are we not victims of unbalanced development because of overcentralisation, etc.?
any projects have never been realised though the votes are exhausted due to false contracts, lateness of decisions and outright fraud carried out by faceless officials without a feeling for the people?

The catalogue is long but these few are cited to indicate the size of the problem we face.

While the present provincial structure was meant to decentralise certain aspects of government, it has failed in practice because it is headed by Civil Servants with no commitment to the people. The structure is colonial in nature and is a direct relic of our colonial 'past where the aim was to ensure the colonial grip on the people. The ordinary Cameroonian has little to show that we have become independent and masters of our own house. The various promises of ensuring people will no longer chase files in Yaounde have not been fulfilled because of the very nature of the bureaucratic set up and the continued centralisation of the power of decision in even very minor matters.

The present proposals intend to replace the present neo﷓colonial administrative structures by elected ones at all levels answerable to the people they are meant to serve. The representativity now existing at 'the level of 'local councils will be extended to the Provincial level with elected Provincial Assemblies with Governors elected by the people of each﷓ Province and responsible to them. It aims at transferring to the Province those aspects of government that touch the day-to-day lives of our population. It will lighten the burden of the Central Government, give local people control over their developmental policies, create a greater understanding of government and further create a greater sense of responsibility in agents of government to those they are supposed to serve. On the whole, invigorate the life of most Provinces as well as create competition between them. It will ensure ﷓3 more equitable distribution of the Nation's resources as well as their better utilisation. The present system concentrates too much of the Nation's resources in the centre leading to gross mismanagement, waste and misappropriation. The rural areas usually end up receiving very little of the country's immense resources. The, present system encourages prestige projects.

It is realised that many more structures have been proposed which might absorb a lot of our resources. This has to be balanced with the present waste of resources arising out of a top-heavy bureaucracy, which has been responsible for expensive delays in decision-making. These delays have reduced the effectiveness of our development programmes. Account has to be taken of the savings that will arise from the abolition of the colonial structures of Governors and Prefects. This structure cost a lot to the State, which maintained officials who did not feel responsible to the people, they, administered. The decentralisation of authority to the Provinces will lighten the load on the central administration thus reducing the number of Ministries at the Centre and the number of Civil Servants required to run the Central Administration. It will provide a golden opportunity to reduce the emoluments, allowances and fringe benefits of Ministers, Heads of Corporations and top Civil Servants as their load will now be reduced. Many of the Civil, Servants now in the Provincial and Central Administration who will become redundant as a result of restructuring will be redeployed in the new Provincial set up, The National Parliament will be reduced in size as it will be dealing with fewer subjects. The basis for representation could be on the following criteria:

Urban Council - Unit of representation 1 member for 5.000 persons

City Council - Unit of representation 1 member for 10.000 persons

Provincial Assembly - Unit of representation 1 member for 25.000 persons

National Assembly - Unit of representation 1 member for 100.000 persons

This will result in a National Parliament of around 120 Parliamentarians, a great saving on the present number. The Provincial Assemblies with their lower unit of representation will give minority populations adequate, representation. The National Parliament now left with subjects that deal with the prestige of the Nation as a Whole need never have a very large body of assemblymen.

On the whole the proposals will ensure a greater expression and practise of our democratic options and will forever bury the danger of a dictatorship. It will create a Nation of which our people can be proud and reduce ethnic rivalries and tensions by offering more opportunities to people of each area in their Provinces of origin.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE, PRINCIPLES AND OBJECTIVES

In proposing a serious or major devolution of powers and functions in Cameroon, the SDF has been guided by time-tested principles and objectives, which make for a happier and joyous society.

The SDF wishes to nourish, foster and sustain the foundations of a democratic society and government in Cameroon in which the rule of law is supreme.

PURPOSE: POLITICAL

Lay foundations of True Republicanism Encourage competitive development. Ensure the rule of law and respect of fundamental human rights
Nourish a massive participation in the art of Government and thereby encourage the emergence of experienced 'leadership.
Ensure respect for differences in language, legal and educational systems in Cameroon.
Make for efficiency and real policy development at the National level.
Ensure that smooth Constitutional succession becomes a respected tradition in Cameroon.
Encourage the habit of sharing power, collaborating with political opponents, dialogue, consultation and thus develop a democratic political' culture.
Encourage the continuity and preservation of our cultural identity by giving our chiefs, etc. a place in our political life.
Ensure the protection of minorities.

LEGAL:

Ensure the separation of powers between the Executive, Judiciary and the Legislature.
Provide for the rule of 'law.
Ensure the emergence of a 'legal tradition that is Cameroon.
Ensure that the administration of Justice is just, rapid and humane.

ECONOMIC:

Ensure the generation of revenue at all levels of Government.
Ensure that revenue of the State is fairly shared amongst the Provinces and population.
Ensure taxes are not oppressive.
Ensure accountability in the management of Public Funds at all levels of Government.
Encourage the rational investment of Public Funds.

CULTURAL:

Ensure every ethnic group has a fair chance to preserve and develop its cultural heritage.
Encourage support for the arts and culture as, a process of creative living.
Ensure that our cultural diversity will enrich and strengthen the unity of our Nation.

A HUMANIST TRADITION

The SDF is inspired by the desire to nourish Social Democracy in Cameroon. That is in effect the founding of a humanist tradition:

Where man is not the property of man.
Where neither ignorance nor distress is to be found among the poor.
Where jails are empty of prisoners.
Where streets are free of beggars.
Where the aged are not in want.
Where taxes are not oppressive.
Where language and tribalism are assets rather than liabilities.
Where the rule of law is paramount.

That is our vision of a new Cameroon. May the Lord help its achievement.

ORGANISATION OF THE STATE

It is proposed that the management of the State be restructured at three levels with legislative powers ﷓ Local, Provincial and National.

At the Local Level the basic unit will be the Area or Urban Council. It shall be organised for an area unit with a population of not less than 100.000 persons. Such a Council will be an autonomous unit managing the affairs of the local area and structured as analysed below. While an Area Council for purposes of viabl1ty should not have a population of less than 100.000 persons, special exceptions may be made for areas with special problems where for security, ethnic and geographical reasons a smaller population might have to be regrouped separately into an Area Council but such units should have a population of not less than 30.000 persons. Towns that have large population concentrations, which have changed the rural nature of these towns and have a population of a 100.000 persons and above, will be structured into an Urban Council. Towns with a population exceeding 300.000 persons will be granted a City Council status.
At the Provincial 'Level a Government and Assembly will be created with powers and jurisdiction as analysed below.
At the National Level the Central Government, a National Parliament and Judiciary will be structured with powers as shown below.

A. LOCAL STRUCTURES

THE AREA C0UNCIL:
The Area Council shall consist of Councillors elected by universal suffrage from the Area, on the basis of population for a period of four years. The Councillors will elect a Chairman and Vice Chairman who will be in charge of the running of the Council Area. Five seats will be reserved for traditional rulers of the area selected by the Secretariat of State for Local Government after consultation with Chiefs of the area.
Area Councils could be regrouped to share certain specialised services. Such a group will have representatives from each Area Council who will elect their own Chairman and have a Local Government Adviser.
THE URBAN COUNCIL:
The Urban Council shall consist of elected members from the Urban Area for a period of four years. The Urban Town shall be headed by a Mayor and Deputy Mayor elected by universal suffrage for a period of four years renewable.
The Mayor is the Chief Executive of the Urban Council and he may propose to the Council the appointment of four Councillors to help him in the supervision of certain areas of the Council's responsibilities.
The Urban Council is autonomous and has jurisdiction on the same subjects as are defined in the Schedule of Area Councils.
It shall have a Secretary nominated by the Secretariat of State for Local Government. The Area Local Government Adviser will ﷓also advise the Urban Council.
As for the Area Council its regulations and budget have to be approved by the Provincial Secretariat of State for Local Government before they take effect.
The Area Council shall have no jurisdiction over the Urban Council.
THE CITY COUNCIL:
The City Council shall consist of the Main Council and Borough (or Sub-City) Councils. The City Council shall be run by members elected on the basis of universal suffrage for four years. It shall be headed by a Mayor and Deputy Mayor directly elected. The Mayor is the Chief Executive of the Council. The Mayor Is elected for four years and may be re-elected only once.
The Council shall have an Executive Council of about six members presided over by the Mayor. The members of the Executive Council shall be selected by the Mayor and approved by the City Council. They 9hall each be charged with responsibility for subjects within the jurisdiction of the Council as repartitioned by the Council. The competence of the City Council is as defined in the list.
The Council shall have a' Secretariat General headed by a Secretary and a Police Department. The City Council will be autonomous. Regulations and the Budget of the Council shall only become operative after approval of the Secretariat of State for Local Government.
The Borough or Sub-City Council shall consist of elected members of the Borough from among whom a Chairman and Deputy shall be elected. The Borough Council shall be responsible for the affairs of the Borough as defined by the City Council and shall execute a budget approved by the City Council. The Borough Council shall be for a population of around 100.0DO persons.

B. PROVINCIAL STRUCTURES

The National Provincial Structure shall consist of ten Provinces as at present designated and the Capital Territory.

THE PROVINCIAL ORGANISATION:

Each Province shall be headed by an elected Governor and Deputy Governor. The organs of the Province shall be:

A Provincial Assembly of elected Representatives. A Council of Traditional Rulers.
An Executive Council.
A Public Service Commission.
A Secretary to the Governor and the Executive Council.

The Governor and Deputy Governor shall be elected by universal suffrage for a term of four years. The Governor can only be re﷓elected once.

The Provincial Assembly shall consist of members elected by universal suffrage for a term of four years. The Assembly shall have a Chairman and two Assemblymen elected by the Assemblymen Who will preside over the affairs of the Assembly. The Assembly shall have legislative authority and shall pass laws on all subjects within the competence of the﷓ Province as shown in the list. The budget and laws passed by the Assembly shall be promulgated by the Governor.
The Council of Traditional Rulers shall consist of two or three Traditional Rulers from each Division selected by the Secretary of State for Local Government after consultation with the Chiefs of each Division. They shall have an advisory role and be called on to review and advise on Drawing legislation on important subjects such as Land matters, Chieftaincy affairs, Marriages, Customary Law and Traditional Council affairs.
The Executive Council: The Governor shall have an Executive Council responsible for the administration of subjects within the competence of the Province. Members of the Executive Council except for the Attorney General shall be styled Secretaries of State. The Provincial Executive Council shall consist of six to ten members outside the Governor and Attorney General. The repartition of Provincial Services shall be as follows:

Services attached to the Governor ﷓ police, Civil Service, the Provincial Public Service Commission.
The Attorney General's Office.
Secretariat for Health and Social Welfare.
Secretariat for Public Works, Transport and Town Planning.
Secretariat for Education, Youth and Sports and Culture.
Secretariat for Local Government, Prisons, Land Matters and Chieftaincy Matters.
Secretariat for Economic Affairs (Internal Trade, Industry and Planning).
Secretariat for Agriculture (inclusive of Forestry and Animal Husbandry).
Secretariat for Labour.
Secretariat for Environmental Protection and Tourism (includes Game Reserves).
Secretariat for Finance.

Members of the Executive could be selected from either the private or public sector. All nominations shall be proposed by the Governor and approved by the Provincial Assembly. The Attorney General of the Province shall be proposed by the Governor and approved by the Provincial Assembly. All appointments of similar category shall be submitted to the Assembly for prior approval.

The Governor may propose changes in his Executive Council as he sees fit. Membership of the Executive Council is incompatible with membership of the Provincial Assembly or of the Public Service. Those who accept nominations to the Executive Council who are either Civil Servants or elected members of the Provincial Assembly will have to resign.

The Provincla1' Assembly has an Independent Status and may neither be dissolved nor modified by the Provincial Governor. Secretaries of State shall be answerable to the Provincial Assembly for the activities of their services. Each Secretariat of State will have a Permanent Secretary appointed by the Governor on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission. The Governor will address the Assembly Fit the beginning of each budget year to present his programme. He may also ask to address the Assembly when important issues are to be placed before the Assembly. The Civil Service in the Province shall be administered by the Provincial Public Service Commission under the Governor. The Commission shall be the sole authority for engaging Civil Servants, promoting, disciplining and retiring them.

C. CENTRAL NATIONAL STRUCTURES

The Central National Organisation shall be composed of the following structure:

The Presidency of the Republic ﷓ The Legislature
The Judiciary
The Council of State.

THE PRESIDENCY:

The President of the Republic is Head of State and Head of Government and Commander﷓In﷓Chief of the Armed Forces. There shall be a President and Vice President elected for a period of four years by a countrywide suffrage. The President may be re﷓elected only once. The President and Vice President may not come from the same Province. The country's bicultural nature should be respected.

The Presidency shall be administered by a Director General of the Presidency who shall be of cabinet rank and shall also serve as Secretary of the Council of Ministers.

The President shall administer the country with the help of a Council of Ministers who shall be responsible for the following subjects:

Defence
Justice
Finance
Information
Foreign Affairs
Public Service
Higher Education and Scientific Research,
Post and Telecommunications
Works and Transport
Natural Resources (Agriculture, Forestry and Veterinary Services)
Health
The Economy (Planning, Trade, Industry)
Mines and Power and Environmental Protection
Parliamentary Affairs and the Capital Territory

The following shall be provided for, in the Constitution:

The National Defence Council
The Public Service Commission
The National Security Co-ordination Agency
The National it and Immigration Agency
The Economic Advisory Commission
The Electoral Commission.

The Presidency. may ﷓Also have two Ministers attached to the Presidency with special duties.

Appointment of Ministers, the Heads of Corporations, Directors General, Chairmen of Commissions, Heads of Agencies and Ambassadors shall be proposed by the President for approval by Parliament. The Vice President will assist the President in all missions if the President sees fit. He will preside over the Council of State. Ministers may be either members of Parliament or eminent citizens or professionals. A Member of Parliament nominated as member of Government will resign his membership of Parliament and there will be a bye-election in his Constituency. Civil Servants who accept appointments as Ministers or stand elections to Parliament will 'have to resign from the Service.

Technical Directors shall be appointed by the President of the 'Republic by reason of their competence and seniority and on the recommendations of the Public Service Commission. Ministries will have a 'Permanent Secretary appointed by the President on recommendation of the Public Service Commission.

PARLIAMENT:

The National Parliament will legislate on all affairs shown in the list of subjects in the List below and any other subjects, which might arise which are not in the Provincial List of subjects. It consists of members elected directly by universal suffrage on the basis of population. The proceedings of Parliament will be presided over by a Speaker and three Assistants and Parliament may set up Standing Committees to discuss various Bills presented before it. The Speaker is elected from among the members of Parliament. Members of Parliament are elected for a four-year term renewable.

Parliament shall have an Administrative Secretariat headed by a Secretary General appointed by Parliament. Parliament shall have competence on all matters in the central list and shall vote the budget presented by Government. Parliament will be autonomous, independent and not subject to any instructions of the Executive. Its mandate may not be determined by the Executive.

Parliament shall review government execution of the budget through a Department of Audit. A National Audit shall be set up headed by a Director General appointed by Parliament on the recommendation of the Public Service Commission and responsible to it. He shall have access to all Departments of the Republic both National, Provincial, Divisional and Para-public. The Department shall have Provincial Delegations and reports on the Provincial Accounts will be submitted to the Provincial Assemblies and Governors.

Parliament shall also have attached to it the Minorities Commission and the Anti-Discrimination Commission. It shall have the power to approve appointments of Ministers, Directors General, Chairmen of Corporations, Heads of National Agencies, Chairmen of Commissions and Ambassadors.

Parliament will be in Session throughout the year and will determine its own Time Table. Members of government will be responsible to Parliament and may be summoned at any time to answer questions relative to their services. The President of the Republic will address Parliament at the beginning of the Parliamentary year to present his budget and programme of action. He may also ask the permission of the Speaker to address Parliament whenever the situation demands. The Minister for Parliamentary Affairs may sit in on Sessions of Parliament of Interest to the Presidency and on Committee Sessions.

THE COUNCIL OF STATE:

The Council of State is a Special Organ whose role is advisory. It will' advise the President of the Republic and Parliament and review Legislation on important matters to be voted on In Parliament.

The Council of State shall have the following members;

The Vice President of the Republic
Past Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Republic
Two Representatives from each Province elected by the Provincial Assembly from among the Provincial Assemblymen.
One Traditional Ruler from each Province.
The Governors of the Provinces
A Representative of the, following professions:
- The Bar Council
- The Medical Council
- The Engineering Associations
- The Trade Union Organisations
- The National Educational Council
Chairman of the Chamber of Commerce and Industries
Chairman of the Chamber of Agriculture
Retired Chief Justices

The Vice President shall' preside over the Council of State.

The following matters have, to be referred to the Council of State for consideration:

Treaties with Foreign, Powers
Boundary Problems
States of Emergency Declarations of War
Inter-tribal Conflicts
Discriminatory Legislation by the Provinces.

The Council shall meet every three months except in cases of emergency. It may also meet at the instance of the President of the 'Republic or Parliament. .

THE JUDICIARY:

The Judiciary is the structure that organises the Courts both at National, Provincial and 'District Levels. The Organs of the Judiciary are:

The Judicial Council
The Supreme Court
The Courts of Appeal
The High Courts
The Courts of First Instance
The Customary Courts
The alkali Courts.

The Judiciary is headed by a Chief Justice appointed by the President on the proposition of the Judicial Council. The Chairman of the Judicial Council shall be elected by the Senior Members of the Supreme and Appeal Courts.

The Judicial' Council shall have the following membership:

Members of the Supreme Court
President of the Private Bar
President of the General Assembly of the Bar
The Attorney General of the Republic

The Judiciary is independent, and has a conso4idated budget. The Supreme Court will rule on the constitutionality of laws passed by Parliament and Provincial Assemblies. The Judicial Council shall be responsible for the, appointment, promotion and discipline of Magistrates.

The President of the Supreme Court shall swear in the President of the Republic and the Governors by Presidents of the Courts of Appeal, The Mayors and Council Chairmen will be sworn in by the Presidents of the Courts of First Instance. Members of Parliament, Provincial Assemblies and Divisional Councillors will also take oaths of office in the same manner.

D. THE CAPITAL TERRITORY

The Capital Territory shall be determined by a special law of Parliament. The Capital Territory shall be headed by a Mayor and have structures and jurisdiction as those of a Provincial Assembly. Its affairs shall be supervised by a Cabinet Minister who shall be known as Minister for the Capital. Territory. All regulations, budget etc. have to be submitted to the Minister for the Capital Territory for approval. The Capital Territory shall have the same status as that of the Provinces. Its Borough Councils shall have the same structures as those of an Urban Council.

REPARTITION Of RESPONSIBILITIES

CENTRAL GOVERNMENT SUBJECTS:
Defence
Foreign Affairs (Treaties and Conventions included)
Higher Education and Scientific Research
- National Education Council
- Research Institutes
- Universities and Medical Schools
- Higher Technical and Professional Institutes
- Educational Standards
Justice
Currency and Banking Policy
Taxation Policy
Revenue Allocation
National Agricultural Policy and Control of Corporations
(Category 1 - 3)
Trade and Industry
Economic Policy and National Planning
National Public Service
Audit
Information - Control of National 'Radio and Television
Accreditation of Journalists.
Mines and Energy (Mineral Exploitation excluding quarries)
(National Energy Policy)
Posts and Telecommunications

Public Health
- National Health Policy
- Reference Hospitals and Institutions
- Co - ordination of Medical Research
- National Health Campaigns
- International Health Relations
- Higher Training of Nurses and Midwives
- National Health Council
Transport
- Highways - National Roads - Standards
- Airports and Air Traffic
- Railways
- Ports with Control of Maritime Operations
- The Highway Code
- The Highway Research
Forestry Policy, Exploitation, National Reserves
Development of the Capital Territory
Electoral Commission and Elections
Protection of Minority Rights
Human Rights ﷓ Political, Legal, Language, Social, Cultural and Education Infer-Provincial Land and Boundary Problems
Environmental Protection
National Parks
Fishing Rights and Operations
Control of Inter-provincial Movement of Animals
National Census Commission
Control of Antiquities and National Museums
Customs and Excise
Nationality and Immigration
Standards
Statistics
Patents and Intellectual Property Rights Protection
National Intelligence Agency
National Security Co﷓ordination
National Debt and Foreign Loan Guarantees
National Boundaries and National Mapping
Frontier Development Board
Co-ordination of Produce Marketing and Price Stabilisation
National Economic Commission
National Press Council
Language Advisory Board
Anti Discrimination Commission
Manpower Research Commission
Weights and Measures
PROVINCIAL SUBJECTS:
Police and Internal Security
Control of Firearms
Local Government
Prisons
Attorney General
Public Service
Health - Primary Health Care, Hospitals and Disease control, Training of Nurses, Midwives and Heal Workers.
Primary and Secondary Education
Technical and Professional Institutes
Teacher Training up to Grade I
Transport
- Provincial, Divisional and Rural Roads
- Control of Circulation
- Vehicle and Driver Licensing
- Highway Protection
- Development and Control of Inland Waterways
Housing and Building Regulations
- Control and Inspection of Quarries
- Registration of Public Works Contractors and Consultants
- Maintenance and Public Bui1dings
- Control and Inspection of Construction of Water Supply Installations, Power Stations, Electrical d1stribution Networks and Sewer Systems.
Examination Boards for Primary and Secondary Schools.
Environnemental Protection
Social Services Agriculture
Animal Husbandry and Inland Fishing
Training of Veterinary Personnel
Town and Country Planning
Tourism and Game Reserves, Hunting Permits, and Control of Antiquities
Community Development
Co-operatives
Produce Marketing
Labour
Chieftaincy Matters
Provincial Public Service
Internal Revenue and Taxation
Information and Culture
- Licensing of Newspapers
- Provincial Radio and Television
- Accreditation of Journalists
Land Tenure and Commissions
Intercommunity Conflicts
Youth and Sports
Internal Trade and Industry, Statistics
Scholarships and Bursaries
Local Forestry Exploitation and Operation of Saw Mills
Registration of Companies and Businesses
Public Works
- Construction, Control and Inspection of Building Works.
- Control of Council Construction Projects
- Control of Explosives in collaboration with Ministry of Mines.
LOCAL COUNCIL SUBJECTS: (AREA, URBAN AND CITY COUNCILS)
Local Revenue and Taxes
Markets and Motor Parks
Registration of Taxis
Streets - Construction and Maintenance, Control of Circulation, Public parking, Signalisation and Naming of Streets

Health and Sanitation
- Clinics and Ambulance Services
- Dispensaries, Sanitary Control, Sewage disposal
- Leprosy Clinics, Meat inspection
Control of Movement and Keeping of Animals and Pets Slaughter Houses and Slabs
Public Conveniences and Burial Grounds
Civil Status Registry
Community Facilities and Recreational Centres
Public Parking, Gardens and Open spaces
Town Planning and Public Housing
Bui1ding Regulations and Codes
Fire Regulations and Services
Nursery and Adult Education
Local Forest Reserves and Wood Plantations
Farming and Grazing Areas
Council Lands
Land Registration, Customary Lands and Land Use
Customary Courts
Chieftaincy
Control and Maintenance of Traditional Mares and Antiquities
Environmental Protection
Utilities - Rural and Urban Water Supplies, Electricity and Use of G as
Petrol Stations
Licensing, Supervision and Regulation of Baling Houses, Eating Houge3, Laundries, Shops, Shopping Centres, Photography, Drinking Houses, Cinemas, Dance Halls, Hotels and Sporting facilities, etc.
Licensing and Regulation of Bicycles, Motorcycles, Hand Carts and all non Motorised Vehicles.
Control of and maintenance of Lakes, Beaches and Licensing of Canoes and Sports Boats.
Licensing Regulation and Control of the sale of Liquor
Control of Boardings, Advertisements and Use of Loud Speakers
Information, Public enlightenment and Culture
Scholarships and Bursaries
Public Libraries and Reading Rooms
Museums Agricultural Extension, Veterinary Clinics, Animal disease control, Control of Pests
Pollution Control
Social Services
Licensing of quarries
Licensing of Firearms
Stamp Duties
Council Equipment Park.

THE SOCIAL DEMOCRATIC FRONT

S. D. F. PROPOSALS ON DEVOLUTION OF POWER

GIVING POWER TO THE PEOPLE

NI JOHN FRU NDI NATIONAL CHAIRMAN

BAMENDA September 1991