The Douala City Council envisages the construction of a 40km system in the near future.

The question of water drainage is predominant in most localities in the economic capital. This phenomenon according to medical officials represent a health danger, as such sites serve as breeding grounds for mosquitoes and other micro organisms. Children for the most are most exposed since they play around such areas.

Linda N. a 35-year-old worker in a private company has just been transferred to Douala. However, she finds it difficult to integrate her new neighbourhood. Her reason is the presence of stagnant water in a long culvert just outside her house. Not only does she have to jump across it every day, she can hardly bear the stench that oozes from it throughout the day. Meanwhile roadside vendors line up undisturbed by the despicable site, selling ready-made food items to passersby.

Worthy of note is that this situation does not leave the competent authorities indifferent. At the Douala City Council, the Chief of Department of Urban Engineering, Mbountcha Stephane throws light on the causes as well as measures to combat this phenomenon. He explained that there are two sorts of water stagnation witnessed in Douala. The first refers to potholes on tarred road, usually caused when there road is degraded.

Though, this is immediately fixed by the works department in charge of road repairs. The second type which is the focus of this paper, deals with stagnant water in culverts. This, he added, is as a result of the dumping of refuse or the construction of houses on culverts. This narrows or completely blocks water passage, leading to the creation of pools. As a resort, the Douala City council does periodical checks to unblock these passages. Another measure is the placement of several garbage bins in neighbourhoods.

Another case of water stagnation is caused when the water level is higher than the size of the culvert. The direct effect is recurrent flood especially during the rainy season, though the water level usually reduces after the rains. In a bid to effectively fight urban disorder as well promote the sanitation of the city; Mbountcha Stephane announced a project in gestation at the Douala City Council. Estimated at FCFA 110 billion, it aims at countering the destructive effects of rain water through the construction of a 40-kilometre drainage system for effective water evacuation. If properly executed, the projects will not only embellish the city, but improve refuse management and the health of the city dwellers.