Bafoussam: Urban Waste Management Takes Center Stage at World Habitat Day Celebration
The commemoration of the 39th edition of World Habitat Day in Bafoussam, West region has brought attention to the pressing issue of urban waste management in Cameroon.
During the week-long activities to mark the event on Monday, June 30, 2025, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Celestine Ketcha Courtes, emphasized the need for effective waste management solutions to prevent garbage from becoming a major health hazard.
The Minister’s call to action comes as cities across the globe face numerous crises due to population growth and urban disorder.
“Cities are facing a lot of crises. At least 60% of the population lives in cities and with this increase, there is an increase in garbage and urban disorder,” Minister Celestine Ketcha.
During a roundtable discussion on urban waste resource management, experts and stakeholders explored innovative solutions to address the challenge. The theme “Urban Waste Resources and the Circular Economy” highlighted the importance of transforming waste into valuable resources.
Minister Ketcha Courtes noted that the government’s vision is to preserve cities and ensure sustainable development, aligning with the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, SDGs 11 and 12.
The Minister urged city mayors to establish local committees to manage garbage effectively and conduct annual evaluations. This approach aims to promote sustainable development and ensure that cities are equipped to handle the growing population and urban waste. The declaration signed by all parties includes commitments to fight garbage and outlines a plan for 2026.
The celebration of World Habitat Day in Bafoussam will run till July 7, 2025. Present at the event are stakeholders from various ministries, mayors, and representatives who are discussing solutions for waste management.
