Life in the neighbourhoods of Soboum, Bilongue and Douala III Subdivision,is quite different from the rest of the economic capitals. The serenity enjoyed amidst daily activities is marred by the sight of choked gutters and bushes as one approaches the bridge connecting the two neighbourhoods.

The most telling experience is the ever-present pollution and insecurity that has become common among Douala city dwellers. A little distance from the bridge, industrial and kitchen wastes are dumped here turning the area into an unhealthy environment apart from the issue of thieves making their hideout here to assault people who use that route at night.

Pushing pollutants back into the stream by indigens via the 10-metres wide gutter is also a very disturbing fact yet a necessity should there be a serious rainfall.

The gutter which was 6 metres deep at construction in 1980. In the last decade, it has been a constant threat to the livelihood and inhabitants now. Crowded by trees, plantain and banana suckers as well as clog of herbs and natural vegetation, the banks of the ever wet gutter has become a danger zone . “We want public lighting here,” says Hortense Kamga, another inhabitant added that, “Acts of vandalism on electric cables and the attack of passersby to snatch money and properties are also worrying inhabitants.”

Noutchou Jean, a Soboum quarter head says, “Just a few months ago, we contributed FCFA 300 000 to drain the gutter but the situation is even unbearable now and we have repeatedly asked the assistance of council authorities to no avail.

Oumga Cedrick, an inhabitant, says "body itch, malaria, and diarrhoea, are common with them, because of flies, mosquitoes and rodents breeding in this place. Anytime it rains heavily, we are engulfed in floods and that is how bad the situation is".