Prime Minister Joseph Dion Ngute has issued a one-week ultimatum to ministers, the city mayor and other stakeholders to present a special sanitation plan for the city of Yaounde. This directive was given during an inter-ministerial meeting held on February 25 at the star-building.

The Prime Minister‘s order aims to rapidly transform the appearance of the capital city. Following the submission of the plan, stakeholders are expected to immediately commence round-the-clock work to clear piles of rubbish, repair potholes, and restore public lighting.

The announcement has elicited mixed reactions from the public. Many view it with skepticism, citing previous similar directives that yielded only temporary improvements. Some suggest that the timing of this initiative, months before the presidential election, indicates a campaign-driven effort.

Concerns have been raised about the long-standing nature of the city’s sanitation issues, with residents pointing to the ongoing challenges faced by the city mayor, Luc Messi Atangana, among others. Atangana has reassured the public that the Yaoundé Urban Community is actively engaging with partners to address the waste management issues, with work set to begin soon.

This latest order from the Prime Minister underscores the government’s commitment to addressing the city’s sanitation problems, although questions remain about the long-term effectiveness of these measures.