“Yaoundé is no longer the city we knew twenty years ago, marked by the evolution of modern infrastructure starting from the city centre. But today the city where I was born extends beyond the seven hills that are attributed to it. I truly love this development.” These are the words of a native of Cameroon’s political capital. Mbarga Obama, about 90 years old, recounts with joy the major stages of the transformation of his village into a large city.

“Previously, the urban centre was limited to the Atemengué plateau with a slight expansion towards neighborhoods like Mokolo and Nlong-Kak. The rest was semi-rural,” he added.

Since then, much water has flowed under the bridges, and the former village attracts thousands of people each year, swelling the population over the years to the point that some surrounding localities have joined the city.

This real expansion raises questions among many urban planners like Blaise Feugang, departmental delegate of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Development in Nyong and So’o. “In a city like Yaoundé, we must adopt vertical construction rather than horizontal as is currently done. Building upwards is more economical, if only regarding the equipment to install on a site. Moreover, aesthetic buildings add to the beauty of cities.”

For the majority of experts interviewed, to make the political capital more attractive, Cameroon would benefit from relocating its capital to fully meet international standards. Failing that, it would help families improve their homes.

By Boureima Amadou — Reporter