What if the waste blocking city drains could become part of the solution to flooding?
In Douala, Cameroon, plastic waste is being collected from drainage corridors to help improve water flow and reduce flood risks. The initiative, supported by the African Development Bank, is also creating green employment opportunities through waste recovery.
Plastic pollution has long contributed to blocked drainage systems and flooding across Cameroonian cities. By removing waste from waterways and giving discarded plastic economic value, the initiative tackles both environmental pollution and climate resilience.
The approach offers a practical lesson for other African cities facing similar challenges: cleaner communities can also become more resilient communities.