GRA Limbe generally comprehended as the Government Residential Area (GRA) is situated in Limbe I Subivision, in Fako Division of the South-West Region of Cameroon. The area is exceptionally interesting for the reason that its present identifty is linked to Limbe's colonial and plantation history. Based on Academic research, part of GRA's landscape is traced back to the former senior service quarters connected with the colonial plantation system.
Location GRA is found in Limbe I Subdivision, in Fako Division, South West Region of Cameroon. The locality is officially listed as GRA, with an administrative code of 10.1.3.1.7, and is listed as a third-degree village and quarter within the Limbe Town canton. Associated with it is GRA Extension, independently recorded under the code 10.1.3.1.8, as well in Limbe I and Limbe Town canton.
There is as well a strong local association between GRA and Bota. An example is the National Employment Fund (FNE) which identifies its South-West regional agency as being at “GRA – BOTA, Limbé.”
History When writing on the history of GRA, it cannot really be separated from the history of Victoria/Limbe, The European plantation development and the Cameroon Development Corporation (CDC). In 1858, the Baptist missionary Alfred Saker founded Limbe and then established the settlement known as Victoria.
The city was organized through different land-use zones which included agricultural, administrative and residential areas during the German colonial period. These residential areas were themselves divided according to occupational and social status.
It is at this point that the historical significance of GRA becomes particularly clear. The senior service quarters characterised by; relatively low-density settlement, larger residential plots, extensive fruit-tree and ornamental gardens, housing associated with senior colonial/plantation personnel, were described by researchers as the section inhabited by higher-ranking personnel. A portion of this area overtime became what is now known as the Government Residential Area (GRA).
Activities and Occupation Historically, GRA Limbe has been a residential and administrative quarter, but in present time its character is more diverse. Planning and institutional sources made available show a mixture of residential occupation, government and professional services, small businesses, education, health services, and activities connected with the wider Bota/CDC area.
1. Residential GRA's principal occupation is residential. It is classified under Urban studies among Limbe's more established, relatively well-accessible residential areas, along the CDC and SONARA residential camps. The residential framework has historically been characterized by relatively spacious compounds, established vegetation and relatively good accessibility.
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