Weeklong activities to mark World Habitat Day underway in Ebolowa.

It is expected to end October 7 with a grand celebration.

Addressing media practitioners to launch activities, Minister Ketcha Courtès noted that the event aims to find innovative solutions for youth engagement in building a sustainable urban future.

The member of government stated that for one week, Ebolowa will serve as the nation’s habitat capital, hosting thematic presentations, conferences, and roundtables, which are led by UN-Habitat officials. 

These activities, the minister added, aims to foster dialogue on the future of living in urban cities and focus on practical solutions that involve youth in urban development initiatives.

Quizzed on the decision to rotate hosting among regional capitals, the minister stated that this approach was brought about to ensure a balanced in local development and boost territorial marketing.

Minister Ketcha Courtès stated that other cities like Garoua, Bertoua, Douala, and Yaounde have hosted the event and benefited significantly in terms of infrastructure and improvements in local governance.

The minister also emphasised on the importance of urban cleanliness, hygiene, and sanitation as they celebrate the 38th edition of the WHD. 

“The Clean Cities Competition, which ranks the ten cleanest municipalities in Cameroon and awards substantial bonuses, encourages municipalities to invest in sustainable waste management practices. This year, Ebolowa is expected to benefit similarly from this platform, with the event’s final declaration serving as a guiding document for future urban development across the country,” she stated.

Also present during the ceremony to launch the activities were: the Minister of State, Minister of Higher Education, Prof Jacques Fame Ndongo; Minister of Youth Affairs and Civic Education, Mounouna Foutsou; Minister of Posts and Telecommunications, Minette Libom Li Likeng; Secretary of State to the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Marie Rose Dibong; Governor of the South Region, Felix Nguele Nguele; and the President of the South Regional Council, Emmanuel Mvé Elemva.

Representatives from the United Nations, UN-Habitat, mayors, and administrative, political, and traditional authorities of the South Region also lived the launching ceremony. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3248 of Thursday October 03, 2024