Once again, waste management has come into spotlight as a veritable income generator able to reshape the destiny of households and change communities.

The revelation was made in Douala at the end of three years ‘Waste to Wealth’ project whose purpose was to improve living conditions in slum neighbourhoods in Douala.

The project was executed in the slums of the Douala II, III, and IV municipalities which suffered recurrent damages due to a proliferation of kitchen waste, but access was impossible by Hysacam vehicles.

A management approach between councils, community-based organisations, civil society and local authorities with the help of la Fondation Camerounaise de la Terre Vivant, via European Union sponsorship, has been constituted.

Mouamfon Mama, Coordinator of the Foundation, told conference participants in Douala, November 27, that the project “Waste to wealth” renamed “Waste creates riches” seeks to reduce poverty through training for an improved waste management, as well as setting up a public-private partnership between municipal councils and organisations and basic enterprises in waste management.

If well managed, waste becomes a source of income generation, job creation and social cohesion. Draining gutters, for instance, create jobs and generate income used to pay fees.

The conference, presided over by the Regional Delegate of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development, Sidi Baré, in the presence of the Mayor of Douala III, Théophile Job Kouabnang, was placed under the theme “Waste management in urban area: stakes, challenges and perspectives for a public-private partnership at the local level.”