Early Rains Expected To Cause Havoc As Yaoundé City Remains Unprepared
By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
There might be scorching sunshine and relentless heat waves in Yaoundé at the moment, but soon the rainy season will arrive, and the initial rains are often unforgiving. Known for its tropical climate, characterized by distinct wet and dry seasons, there are concerns about the city’s preparedness for the upcoming weather changes.
One pressing issue is the overwhelming amount of dirt that has engulfed Yaoundé. The gutters, which are crucial for channeling rainwater, are seemingly blocked despite recent efforts by the local councils to address the problem.
It is disheartening to note that city residents themselves contribute to this issue by persistently dumping trash into the gutters. This not only obstructs the flow of rainwater but also creates an unsightly and unsanitary environment.
A concerned city dweller says, “Sometimes, I feel sad because our environment, where we live, remains dirty, and yet we expect the government to come and clean it for us. It doesn’t work that way. I feel bad because even parents, who should be setting an example, are the ones throwing dirt everywhere.”
To combat this problem, designated cleanliness days have been established, urging residents, especially those living or selling goods near the roads, to keep their surroundings clean. However, it has been observed that these dedicated days often result in minimal participation, with people only emerging from their homes once the allotted time is over. This lack of commitment to cleanliness is a growing concern, as it indicates a disregard for the long-term impact on the city’s infrastructure.
“Every Friday in Yaoundé VI municipality, the early morning hours until 10 am are meant for those living near the roads to clean their environment. However, those who are supposed to do so remain in their homes and only venture out to commence their daily activities. This is highly unsatisfactory. We need to prioritize cleanliness. I am apprehensive about what will happen when the first rains arrive,” Mary Stella said.
According to some city inhabitants, the issue of trash disposal also contributes to the overall cleanliness problem in Yaoundé. Some residents habitually abandon trash along the streets, which eventually finds its way into the already clogged gutters, exacerbating the situation. This not only worsens the environmental conditions but also emits unpleasant odors, further compromising the quality of life in the city.
Despite the collection of fees for sanitation purposes, some city dwellers say, there is a lack of proactive action from council officials. According to them, there is a need for stricter regulations and sanctions to ensure that individuals uphold cleanliness standards. Additionally, immediate action is necessary to remove the accumulated dirt from the streets, as it poses a significant challenge when heavy rains arrive.
Nevertheless, Yaoundé is facing multiple challenges as it prepares for the upcoming rainy season. The city’s clogged gutters and pervasive dirt contribute to the potential for flooding and unsanitary conditions. Both residents and council officials must take responsibility and work together to maintain a clean environment that can withstand the impending heavy rains.
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