CUD Re-organises Sector for Call Box Operators

In a bid to re-organise the informal sector in Douala, the Douala City Council, CUD, has signed a partnership deal with the Caisse D’Epargne Et De Credit, CAPCOL, Savings and Loans, and Mains Unies des Propriétaires de Call Box et Cabin Téléphonique, MUPROCA to carry out this purpose. The partnership deal was signed on March 12, 2009 with each party having its own part to fulfil. According to the project, they have to ameliorate the sector of call box operators with 500 kiosks in the city of Douala.
The CUD was charged with providing space and selects the model for the kiosks which will be used, while CAPCOL would provide the kiosks, health insurance, and airtime either from MTN, Orange or CAMTEL for the operators. This will serve as a loan which the operators would have to reimburse after some time.
The first phase of the project launched on August 4 they had to begin with 100 kiosks. In this phase they had to select the call box operators, give them necessary training to become real economic operators, learn to use the loan which will be given to them to carry on their job.
The Government Delegate to the Douala City Council said the informal sector in Douala constitutes 75 percent and it is their duty to ameliorate the informal sector. He talked of sectors the CUD had already ameliorated like Marché des fleurs and soon the car wash.
The Director in Charge of the Fight against Urban Disorder, Hervé Ambatta, presented the level to which they have reached in accomplishing their purpose. He said a list of 100 call box operators was sent to CAPCOL, 283 sites were earmarked to place the kiosks in Douala I-V, he said about 80 kiosks have been built which still needs to be ameliorated. He added that of the 100 names sent to CAPCOL only 70 have met the criteria. As for the training he said the resource persons have been identified but training has not begun.
The President of MUPROCA, Atangana Mama Benjamin said their role in this project is to sensitise, organise and follow up the call box operators and protect their interests. He said in 24 months the call box operators will have to pay back the loan which will be given to them. He added that CAMTEL has proposed an offer which the call box operators can make a profit of 22 percent in credit transfer. That is in every FCFA 10000, they make a profit of FCFA 2200.
The Director of CAPCOL, Helen Ndikum, said they will be granted health insurance with Colina Citoyenne, given sim cards and loans. He said just 70 met the criteria and they would begin till they complete the project of supplying 500 kiosks in Douala.
EFFA TAMBENKONGHO