30 participants undergoing training at the Immaculate Conception Center in Nkwen
In a bid to mitigate the effects of climate change and flooding in the Sisia neighbourhood, located in the Bamenda III subdivision, the Community Initiative for Sustainable Development (COMINSUD) has trained 30 community frontline monitors.
The training, which took place at the Immaculate Conception Center, aimed to equip the monitors with the necessary skills to promote sustainable water and waste management practices.
Fon Nsoh leading thr training
According to Fon Nsoh, Coordinator of COMINSUD, the training is part of the Sisia Slope Upgrading Program, a comprehensive initiative that seeks to improve access to bridges, water supply, and environmental protection. The program is being implemented in partnership with UN-Habitat, FEICOM, the Bamenda City Council, and other technical ministries.
"For us, it's about supporting the community to be more organized and dynamic in protecting their water catchments, in controlling waste management, and other negative vices to enhance the living environment and contribute also in reducing climate change effects," said Fon Nsoh. "We believe that by empowering community members to take ownership of their development, we can create a more sustainable and resilient future for all." Fon Nsoh said.
Participants
The monitors, who were selected from the Sisia community, will be responsible for promoting community sensitization, monitoring water catchments, and controlling waste management. They will also receive monitoring badges, T-shirts, billboards, posters, and flyers to support their efforts.
The training comes at a critical time, as the Sisia community is located at the foothill of the station cliff, making it prone to flooding and landslides.
Last year, a nine-month-old child drowned in a flood, highlighting the urgent need for sustainable solutions.
To prevent such tragedies, COMINSUD is working to change the community's mentality towards waste management and environmental protection.
"Last year, we had a lot of floods in Bamenda because waste was emptied on waterways, and they were blocked. In many instances, the water pushes the waste downstream, and when it still can not find its way, there is bound to be flooding. We are working with the community on effective waste management." Fon Nsoh said.
Anna Taku, frontline actor
To compliment his efforts, one of the front line actors, Madam Anna Taku, said enormous sensitization has been carried out especially on how to dispose of diapers, which is one of the major things that blocks waterways.
The Sisia Resilient and Inclusive Project is structured into three lots, each tackling a specific aspect of community development. Lot 1 focuses on constructing water supply systems, while Lot 2 prioritizes bridge construction. Lot 3 will concentrate on protecting water catchments and promoting environmental management.
As explained by Anna Taku, four bridges have been constructed, one walk way and construction works on another walk way will start in the days ahead.
The training of the community monitors will go a long way to improve the waste management challenges of Sisia and flooding, especially as the raining season is here.
By
Ndi Tsembom Elvis
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