Cameroon’s government has stepped up efforts to improve urban sanitation in the capital with the distribution of essential cleaning equipment to all seven communes of Yaoundé.
The handover, coordinated by the Ministry of Territorial Administration (Minat), took place on recently at the Esplanade of the Urban Community of Yaoundé.
Paul Atanga Nji, Minister of Territorial Administration, presented a total of 700 wheelbarrows, 700 shovels, 700 brooms and 700 rakes to municipal representatives, delivering 100 of each item to each commune. The equipment is intended to support local waste removal operations, especially in areas where existing waste collection systems are strained.
The distribution forms part of the government-backed “Yaoundé ville propre” (Yaoundé City Clean) campaign, championed by President Paul Biya. The initiative seeks to address mounting environmental and public health concerns linked to unmanaged refuse and open waste dumps across the city. It brings together national ministries, decentralised local authorities, administrative officials and community stakeholders in a coordinated sanitation push.
Officials underscored the importance of both equipment and collective action in tackling the city’s sanitation challenges. Municipal leaders welcomed the support, saying that improved access to basic tools will boost the capacity of cleaning crews, speed up refuse removal and promote civic involvement in maintaining public spaces.
Urban sanitation has been a persistent issue in Yaoundé, with reports of waste accumulation in markets, streets and public areas prompting both citizen complaints and government responses. Previous local efforts have included the deployment of mechanical street sweepers and public education initiatives, as authorities seek longer-term waste management solutions alongside manual cleanup operations.
Government officials have noted that sustained progress will require further investments in waste infrastructure, improved collection systems and expanded community engagement to translate the current push into lasting environmental improvements.
