At launch of World Habitat Day: Minister Celestine Ketcha urges authorities to fight urban waste.

The launching ceremony kicked off with an inaugural walk across the city of Bafoussam. The sporting activity aimed at raising awareness on the importance of hygiene and safety, especially in the context of growing urban disorder.

Accompanying the minister were stakeholders such as the Governors of the West and North West Regions, Awa Fonka Augustine, and Adolphe Lele Lafrique, respectively, and representatives from various City Councils and others.

Activities to commemorate this year's 39th edition of World Habitat Day in Cameroon, will run till July 7. It is under the theme: “Innovating and acting locally in response to urban crisis: For sustainable and participative management of development in Cameroon”.

On day two, Minister Celestine Ketcha Courtes chaired a roundtable discussion on the urban waste resource management in Cameroon. 

The discussion, which involved panelists from the Ministry of Decentralisation and Local Development, Ministry of Finance, mayors and representatives from other ministries, focused on the theme: “Urban Waste Resources and the Circular Economy”.

Day two concluded with a visit to various stands at the habitat village, where various councils displayed their products and were able to explain to the delegation some of the services they render.

Minister urges authorities to fight urban waste

While expressing satisfaction at the level of cleanliness she found in city of Bafoussam, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development also called on the authorities, councils and the population to join the government in looking for solutions to preserve cities in the country. She also praised the Head of State who particularly sent her to launch the activities in Bafoussam.

“The City Mayors must put in place local committees in all the communities to make sure that garbage is managed effectively, and there is an evaluation every year,” Minister Ketcha said. 

The minister said this year's international theme: “Urban crisis response”, reflects how cities across the globe are facing numerous crises as a result of increase in population, increase in garbage, and urban disorder.

“It’s true that internationally, cities are facing so many crises. At least 60% of the population lives in the cities. With this increase, we were bound to have an increase in garbage and urban disorder. We are here to look for solutions and to preserve our cities. If we don’t manage our garbage, it will kill us. We’re here with all the actors to see how we can also discuss the transformation of garbage,” she added.

Minister Ketcha Courtes also said the gathering in Bafoussam brings together all actors to seek solutions on how to manage garbage in the nation. She added that this falls in line with the SDG 11 and 12 agenda, which the Head of State has been front-lining for several years.

Echoes on the transformation of garbage were also discussed. Discussions ended with a declaration signed by all, which according to the Minister, will be handed over to the Head of State. The declaration includes the engagement of all actors to fight garbage, and a way forward for 2026.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3492 of Thursday July 03, 2025