Algerians have indicated their readiness to invest in the sports sector in Cameroon. This intention was made public last Friday at an audience granted to an Algerian business delegation by the Minister of Youth and Sports, Bidoung Mkpatt.
The Algerian Ambassador to Cameroon, Brahim Taïbi, told the Minister that the delegation was in Cameroon to constitute a mixed committee which will stimulate close contact between businessmen of the two countries. « The domain of youth and sports will be determinant to concretise the cooperation », he said. Their immediate intension, he explained, was to find out the needs of Cameroon with regards to sports infrastructure, identify projects that have been programmed for realisation and get in contact with those executing sports projects.
The head of the Algerian business delegation, Kheloufi Mouloud, outlined his country’s experience in the production of sports equipment and construction of sports infrastructure. Their know-how, he said, stretches from the building of stadiums, designing of athletics track, furnishing dressing rooms, putting up natural or artificial playgrounds, to the supply of energy in stadiums using generators. The Algerians even suggested that if need be, they would set up a generator production firm in Cameroon since there is none in the Central African sub-region.
The Minister of Youth and Sports, Bidoung Mkpatt, said after the contact visit, his collaborators will meet the Algerian delegation to come out with a platform. « Our directors will identify what we can start together. We need your contribution to benefit from what you can offer », he said. The Minister cited a number of projects underway to develop sports infrastructure in Cameroon and noted, with regrets, that maintenance is what is lacking most. « Cameroon is a big sports nation. Our infrastructure are however not well used and they degrade », he said.
The friendship bond created between Cameroon and Algeria was sealed with a gift from the head of the Algerian delegation to the Minister of Youth and Sports.
Irene MORIKANG
