Douala City Council adopts 66 billion FCFA 2026 budget to transform city.

The session was chaired by the Douala City Mayor, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, accompanied by his collaborators. 

According to City Council authorities, the 2026 budget is intended to support the ongoing revitalisation of Douala, with a strong emphasis on waste management, which has been identified as a top priority. 

In recent years, the city has struggled with serious sanitation challenges, including uncontrolled waste disposal, clogged drainage systems, and recurrent flooding, often blamed on poor environmental practices. Municipal officials believe that strengthening waste management will significantly improve public health, urban cleanliness, and Douala’s image as a regional business hub.

One of the key reforms announced during the session is the decision to engage two waste collection companies instead of relying solely on HYSACAM, which has traditionally handled waste management in the city. 

City Council officials said the introduction of an additional operator is expected to enhance efficiency, expand coverage, and encourage competition within the sector. 

In addition, the council plans to fully implement a home-to-home waste collection system, ensuring that refuse is collected directly from households, rather than from informal and often unsanitary dumping sites.

To make these reforms effective, the City Council stressed the need for sustained public sensitisation campaigns. The initiatives, it said, will aim to educate residents on proper waste disposal, environmental responsibility, and the importance of cooperation between citizens and municipal authorities in maintaining a clean city.

Reduction as compared to last year’s budget 

Despite these planned reforms, the 2026 budget has not been unanimously welcomed. At 66 billion FCFA, it represents a reduction of more than 5 billion FCFA compared to the 2025 budget, which exceeded 72 billion FCFA. 

Several senior councillors and stakeholders questioned whether a reduced budget could adequately address Douala’s growing population, aging infrastructure, and persistent urban challenges.

Critics argued that, given Douala’s rapid urbanisation and its central role in Cameroon’s economy, the city requires increased financial resources rather than cuts. 

They fear that the budget reduction could limit the council’s capacity to deliver essential services and major development projects.

Responding to these concerns, the City Mayor, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, acknowledged that the budget is indeed insufficient but expressed confidence in the council’s ability to prioritise effectively. 

“It’s evident, and it has been pointed out by the councillors, that this budget is insufficient. We can’t meet all the needs, but we will do our best with the limited means available,” he said. 

The City Mayor highlighted several major infrastructure projects expected to complement the city’s efforts, including road rehabilitation works covering several kilometres over the next two to three years. 

He also cited ongoing and upcoming projects supported by external partners such as the World Bank and the French Development Agency, noting that some of these resources are not reflected in the city’s internal budget.

On waste management, Dr Mbassa Ndine expressed optimism that the reforms already underway would yield quick results. He explained that the current system has reached its limits and that a comprehensive overhaul has begun. 

According to him, the first phase of the new waste collection system is set to take effect immediately, with further improvements expected in the coming months.

“If things go normally,” the mayor said, adding that “we are convinced that in two to three months, the waste issue will become a secondary concern”. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3665 of Tuesday January 06, 2026