Some 200 mothers were awarded prizes by the Douala II Council for excellent results in the cleaning and preservation of their homes and environment over the last year. It was in continuation of activities of the World Mothers’ Day celebrated last May 29. In a statement from the Douala II Sub-Divisional Council (D2C), Mayor Denise Fampou said that the prize comes as recognition and encouragement for the mothers to keep up the good work. “This prize is important for mothers and a satisfying endorsement of the many roles of the woman the council authorities have realized in recent years. We must carry on working at this to make our council area an even better place for residents, tourists and all interested parties,” she said, adding that “the Council is dedicated to helping homes and quarters realise their natural roles both as prosperous locations for habitation, and as focal points for vibrant, inclusive communities.”

Siewe Josephine of New Bell Bandjoun emerged champion, and Ndounke epouse Tchoundja Jeanne of Kassalafam came second, while Ngo Bell Francoise epouse Nso Boum of New Bell Bassa emerged third. The champions received 75,000, 50,000 and 30,000 FCFA respectively in addition to soaps, chloride solution, wheelbarrow, loins, machetes, among others while some 200 other winners each received 10,000 FCFA, a broom, rake, including and certificate each. Prominent were female inmates who received prizes of diverse prizes including a carton of sardines and soaps.

Mayor Denise Fampou said the competition was among the measures taken to get the people including women to be actively involved in the integrated cleanliness campaign to empower women in managing their residential premises in all aspects including cleanliness, and safety. As a part of its ongoing cleaning programmes, D2C aspires to become the cleanest municipality in Douala starting this year. Wolounwo Moses, Sanitary Engineer and Chief of Safety, Hygiene and Environment at the Council stressed that D2C wants to continue spearheading the integrated cleanliness programme not just to get the name as being the cleanest municipality, but primarily to get the women to make cleanliness a way of life. “Cleanliness has a far-reaching effect, clean homes for example could become important tourist attraction, while clean environment could help prevent or reduce the spread of disease like cholera, diarrhoea and dengue fever,” he disclosed to reporters Sunday after the presentation of prizes to winners of the council’s cleanliness competition for home and environment. A committee was established to go round the 33 quarters of the Douala II jurisdiction.