Visionary Reports

The haphazard garbage disposal within the city of Douala poses serious challenge to City dwellers.

From one neighborhood to another an unpleasant scenario will always catch the eye of passersby. A large amount of  solid waste that is being generated within the City of Douala from sources such as markets, households, provision stores, supermarkets, drinking spots is left generally unmanaged. More over some people have developed the habit of dumping their garbage in the middle of tarred roads. Be it at Douala I, II, III, IV or V the situation is not different. From every indication, the waste collection and Disposal Company, Hygiene et salubrité du Cameroun (HYSACAM), does not contend with the amount of waste generated per day, as a result, garbage is scattered in most neighbourhood. The poor waste management could have detrimental effects on human health and safety of the environment.

One of Douala city dweller Onana Alphonse said that the population around his neighbourhood in Logbessou  now dump their garbage in front of his house.“ I  have done everything to stop it but it is not working, the stench that comes from the pile of garbage make my children sick all the time. The garbage breeds a lot of mosquitoes which is not healthy for my family” he added. Mr Onana said at the moment he is looking for a new house to rent as he can no longer contain the situation.

Madam Marie Claire Eloga a restaurant owner at Mabanda disclosed that “Workers of the company in charge of waste disposal no longer carry out frequent collection and disposal of waste. This situation of garbage piling up in neighbourhoods and markets has been going on for some time now. The garbage stays in front of my restaurant. We do not breathe and the garbage stays there. Let them come and remove this garbage. I have my restaurant, but there are flies everywhere even on plates and cups. It is painful. It drives away my customers”, she decried.

While Madam Metuge Eloise of Bonamoussadi said the HYSACAM truck that carries garbage passes in their neighbourhood scarcely. It comes at times once a month and  at times it can take up to three  to six months without passing as such we are forced to carry our garbage to the road” she narrated.

By Gina Esong