Flooding in Bamenda: Preemptive Measures Prescribed

Celestine Ketcha Courtès, Minister of Housing and Urban Deve­ lopment, has called on residents of Bamenda to take practical measures to reduce flooding as heavy rains continue to affect parts of the city. “Residents must remain vigilant during heavy rainfall and avoid activities that worsen flooding,” The Minister advised in a press release on August 17, 2026. Residents are expected to ensure that gutters, culverts and drainage channels are not blocked by waste or building mate­ rials. Minister Ketcha Courtès stated, “Keep gutters, culverts and drainage channels free of waste and construction debris to allow rainwater to flow freely.” She warned residents against construction in areas where buildings can obstruct the natural flow of water. “Do not build in flood-prone areas, wetlands, drai­ nage channels or along riverbanks, she stressed. Every resident of the city has a role to play in preventing floods as the Minister instructed, “Report blocked drains, landslides and other flood- related hazards promptly to the authorities.” Success in preemptive floods in Bamenda, the Urban Develop­ ment Minister said, should not be left to government alone. As such, “Residents, counci...