Douala City Council identifies 31 buildings for demolition.

According to a communique dated August 3, 2026, Douala City Mayor, Dr Roger Mbassa Ndine, noted that the 31 buildings were identified during inspection operations carried out by services of the City Council 

Of the buildings, 19 are considered to pose an imminent danger, while the remaining 12 present an ordinary level of risk.

Dr Mbassa Ndine attributed the structural problems to several factors, including non-compliance with urban planning regulations and construction standards, execution of works without prior authorisation, use of unsuitable construction materials, uncontrolled modification of existing structures and prolonged abandonment of buildings.

To prevent possible collapses and protect the population, Douala City Council, through its release, said: "series of measures will be implemented depending on the level of risk associated with each structure."

The measures, it said, include technical assessments and expert evaluations, notification of owners, occupants or operators of the required corrective measures and deadlines, as well as safety and reinforcement works where possible.

Buildings considered to pose an imminent threat to human life will be evacuated immediately, while seals and other precautionary measures may be applied to restrict access and prevent exposure to danger.

The city council said buildings declared irreparable, as well as those whose owners fail to execute prescribed measures within the stipulated deadlines, will ultimately be demolished in accordance with existing regulations.

The Douala City Mayor, has also reminded residents and property developers that construction, extension, elevation, major modification or rehabilitation of buildings must comply with applicable laws and regulations, including obtaining the necessary planning authorisations before work begins.

Similarly, any attempt to reinforce or consolidate a building showing signs of structural weakness must first be preceded by a technical assessment conducted by qualified professionals and, arrested by the City Council 

It should be noted that, the latest move came amid growing concerns over building safety in Douala, where heavy rains, flooding, poor construction practices and ageing structures have periodically heightened the risk of building collapsing.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3875 of Tuesday August 11, 2026