Dirty Douala: filth piles on Cameroon’s Economic Capital beyond imagination

Douala, the economic capital of Cameroon, is gradually becoming the dirtiest town in the country. Piles it garbage are almost of every junction

The streets are littered with trash, and the gutters are clogged with waste. This has led to a number of problems, including the spread of diseases, the breeding of mosquitoes, and the flooding of homes.

Many are still to understand why the company in charge or garbage collection, HYSACAM is not cleaning the town.

“For weeks now dirts have been accumulating here and Hysacam is nowhere to be found. We don’t know what their problem is this time around, things are getting worse” said an inhabitant.

The government has made some efforts to clean up the city, but these efforts have been largely unsuccessful. The city’s residents are also to blame for the problem, as they often litter the streets and gutters.

“If the city does not take action to address this problem, it will only get worse. The health and safety of the city’s residents are at stake” another complaint laid by a worried inhabitant.

According to health officials, garbage can attract rodents and insects, which can carry diseases such as cholera, typhoid, and malaria

“The city government needs to take a more proactive approach to cleaning the streets. This includes increasing the frequency of garbage collection, cleaning gutters, and educating residents about the importance of not littering” said an elderly who recounted how Douala used to be clean back in the years.

“The population also need to do their part to keep the city clean. They should not litter, and they should dispose of their garbage properly”. He added.

If the city and its residents work together, they can clean up Douala and make it a healthier and more livable city.

By Washira Helene