Just City - Study

Waste management in urban areas is a complex issue in Cameroon. Due to several factors, including population growth, uncontrolled urbanisation and the formation of slums, there has been a massive increase in waste, with around 6 million tonnes per year and less than 40% of waste collected.

This situation leads to recurrent flooding, the deterioration of urban landscapes and, above all, a resurgence of pandemics and widespread unease among city dwellers.

The financial issue, the uncontrolled dumping of rubbish in gutters, widespread incompetence in waste treatment, recycling, reuse and reduction, and the precarious conditions of sanitation workers are all challenges that must be addressed in order to build just cities.

To contribute to this, the FES has proposed clear ideas and key actions to be taken to build fair and sustainable cities. Starting with the pilot city of Bertoua, the six principles of a just city were analysed and tested with the various stakeholders.

This experience, contained in a book that is accessible to all citizens and available in two languages, is a modest contribution to initiating real action in favour of the emergence of just cities in Cameroon.