Collective Responsibility

Problems of floods in Cameroon are as complex as the topography of the country and actions taken vis-à-vis the recurrence still leave much to be desired. In fact, it appears the population and those who govern them at local levels are more reactive when floods hit than proactive to pre-empt danger. So much noise is made each time floods occur and calms down when the water dries off. Very little is done to ensure that what happens today doesn’t repeat itself. Inasmuch as floods remain natural disasters like others, it goes without saying that they do not surprise people at least.  Common knowledge teaches that floods occur when rain falls heavily on level lands with poor drainage systems. Living in low-lying areas exposes inhabitants to floods and it is one’s activities, likewise those of others, that can shield them from disasters. 
Unfortunately, some people in these areas continue to dispose of their wastes haphazardly, throwing objects that block escape ways for running water and worse of all, constructing on water paths. As a matter of fact, some people do not want to respect the laws and regulations concerning urban construction. They equally lack respect towards nature. They cut trees; build on water ways and block water from using its natural passage. The actions of the unruly people and the inaction and or complicity of those who are supposed to enforce existing legislations affect everybody when tragedy strikes. This is what has been happening for long.
Inhabitants of flood-prone areas like Douala, Limbe, Kribi, Buea, Yaounde, Maroua et al, can tell the story better. However, their history with floods doesn’t seem to have changed their habits over the years. Regrettable how people could continue in the same bad habits that have been causing floods and hope to see change today. This is simply paradoxical, to say the least. 
The gnashing of teeth in Douala and Limbe following devastating floods now comes after a similar one in Buea in mid-March this year which left victims in many areas including Wonyalyonga, Babuti, Bokova, Great Soppo, Buea Town, Molyko and the Presbyte...