Speaking during the urban forum, the Minister of Housing and Urban Development, Jean Claude Mbwentchou gave a description of what he expects Cameroonian towns to look like in future.

To Minister Jean Claude Mbwentchou, this forum is expected to lay the groundwork for a harmonious and durable urban development in Cameroon. According to records, the urbanisation rate in the country has experienced a significant increase from 37 to 52 percent in recent years.

With such rapid urbanisation rate, city planners say there is need to prevent the constantly growing cities from becoming slumps.

It is in view of this and more at stake that the close to 300 participants at the forum will be discussing ways of saving the situation.

The Minister of Housing and Urban Development also noted that in order to achieve the goal of a harmonised urbanism there is a need for all hands on deck and not just the government action.

A representative of UN Habitat present at the opening of the urban forum encouraged the inclusion of city dwellers in the process of harmonised urban development, in addition to government and private enterprises’ efforts.

The forum which ends today Wednesday, 15th October, 2014 has in attendance actors of urban development including mayors, government delegates and architects as well as national and international experts.