After Mbankolo landslide: PM, ministers concert to prevent similar catastrophes.

This was the main focus of a meeting the Star Building occupant chaired Wednesday October 11. 

The meeting also focused on reviewing the implementation of the directives of the Head of State, Paul Biya, contained in his condolence message to victims of the Sunday October 9 landslide that occurred at the Mbankolo neighbourhood in Yaounde. 

The cabinet members and close aides of the Star Building occupant began by observing a minute of silence in honour of the memories of victims of the Mbankolo landslide. 

It was attended by the Ministers of Territorial Administration, Atanga Nji; Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes; Communication, Rene Emmanuel Sadi; Public Health, Dr Manaouda Malachie; State Property, Surveys and Land Tenure; Henri Ayebe Ayissi, and others. 

Also present were close aides of the Prime Minister, Chief Dr Joseph Dion Ngute. 

The Head of Government and ministers summoned examined steps so far taken to ensure proper healthcare, protection of victims and the provision of emergency assistance to victims of the Mbankolo landslide. 

“We have taken care of all the families…they have had relief materials. Those who were in hospitals have been taken care,” Territorial Administration minister, Atanga Nji, told reporters at the end of the meeting. 

The MINAT boss said the moment, officials are “trying to put in place a team to accompany the bereaved families and give them assistance”. 

He clarified that the landslide left 28 people dead, three missing with 17 injured receiving treatment in hospitals and 57 families affected.  

On measures discussed to prevent similar catastrophes from occurring in the near future, Minister Atanga Nji, regional governors have been tasked to sensitise and order persons in risk zones to evacuate such areas.  

“…the Governors will come out with an official document where the population will be sensitised that henceforth, you can longer construct in an area which is considered a risk zone,” Atanga Nji said.

Echoing her colleague of Territorial Administration, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, said: “We are looking out for an area where we can build some housing where we can take out people building in these swampy zones and put them out of this situation”.

Reports hold that the Prime Minister and the cabinet ministers also envisaged tougher measures to reduce the risk of such occurrence in the future.

The Head of Government is also used the meeting to appeal to the population to heed the call of state authorities and evacuate all risk zones.