Sanitation and Faecal Waste Disposal in Shanty Slums of Douala, Cameroon

Abstract

City slumps are common in the world especially in sub-Saharan Africa which is faced with challenges of underdevelopment.   The situation of slumps is preoccupying when there are environmental problems associated to swamps. This is the case of Douala where many neighbourhoods have marshy slumps. This article explores the environmental situation of Douala in relationship to sanitation; presenting the difficulties encountered by Douala settlers disposing human waste especially discarded matter like faeces. There is a struggle of the Douala residents between the socioeconomic status and the natural environment in relationship with sanitation leading to the tendency of a direct link between the swamps, marshes and waste disposal since the tendency is to eliminate wastes without enduring any cost. Swampy environments are triggered by low and level topography complicated by gutters blocked with solid wastes however the focus of this article is on human wastes disposal. The research approach used is qualitative with the use of in-depth interviews, observation, focus group discussion and documentary review. However, the continuous increase of slums in Douala just like in many sub-Saharan Africa calls for further studies in the hygiene and sanitation related aspects in challenging environments.