The Execution of Public Contracts for Sustainable Development in Cameroon: The Case of Mezam Division

Abstract

The study captioned the execution of public contracts for sustainable development in Cameroon, sets out to investigate why a series of reforms intended to solve the vices in public contract execution have brought forth little or no changes in the process in Mezam Division. The main thrust of this research as an exposition to public contract; underscores the unsatisfactory execution of projects, which has negated sustainable development due to malpractices fueled in the execution plan. Considering the fact that public contracts ultimately explores such trends and patterns geared towards development strides in achieving sustainable development goals, the researcher had as main objective to explain why Cameroon continues to face problems of sustainability in the execution of public contracts despite the availability of legislation; guiding the execution process. The study made use of the Contracting out theory by Kettl (1988) which legalizes and justifies the need for contractors to execute public contracts. The researcher adopted a mixed method of data collection using both primary and secondary sources. The tools for data presentation and analysis included frequency distribution tables, percentages, charts and chi-squared. Major findings show that despite the development of reforms and institutions to facilitate public contracts execution in Mezam Division, there are some irregularities in contract operations which negatively affects sustainable development through inadequate management of contracts. The researcher; based on the findings, suggested some vibrant, robust and meticulous measures that will fast tract socio-economic and infrastructural sustainable development as envisaged. Admittedly, government should establish and reinforce control and audit mechanisms that will help to reduce the rate of in appropriation by contracting authorities and stakeholders. Serious disciplinary measures should be put in place as an ombudsman to regulate excesses and inefficiency. This will foster public accountability and transparency.