A group of young architects in Cameroon, operating under the banner of the Amicale des Architectes Made in Foumban (AAMF), has proposed a 4-point plan to address the recurrent flooding in Douala, the country's economic capital. The plan was outlined during a conference held in Yaounde on September 19, 2026, which brought together experts in the field of architecture and urban planning. The conference, dubbed "AAMF LIVE TALK 24," aimed to find solutions to the destructive seasonal flooding that has been affecting Douala.
The conference was moderated by architectural intern Nkeng Benjamin Yan and featured a panel of experts, including architect-urban planner Kenfak Joël, architect Guy Gérard Etoa Ngoula, and architectural interns Nzemy Etongo Franklin Serge and Simba Moïse. The panelists argued that the recurrent flooding in Douala cannot be dismissed as unavoidable acts of nature, but rather as a result of a structural failure at the intersection of geography, rapid demographic growth, failing infrastructure, and lax urban governance.
The panelists highlighted the need for a shift in urban planning, with a focus on strict enforcement of the Urban Development Master Plan, rigorous building permit controls, and prohibition of construction in high-risk zones. They also advocated for a watershed-wide planning model that takes into account the protection and reforestation of coastal mangroves, creation of ecological corridors, and reduction of excessive asphalt and concrete surfaces.
The conference also emphasized the need for post-flood recovery to be integrated into initial urban planning strategies. Architectural intern Simba Moïse pointed out that public attention typically evaporates once the water recedes, but the crisis does not end when the water goes down. The panel raised urgent questions regarding temporary housing, contaminated borehole water, sanitation hazards, loss of livelihood, disrupted schooling, and disease outbreaks.
The 4-point plan proposed by the panelists includes the systematic clearing and expansion of drainage channels, construction of regional stormwater retention basins, separation of sewage and rainwater systems, and sustained funding for sanitation maintenance. They also emphasized the need for establishing pre-planned emergency reception zones, drinking water distribution networks, and designated health response units ready for immediate deployment post-disaster.
The AAMF reiterated that architects can no longer operate merely as designers of individual building frames, but must act as proactive guardians of public safety and environmental integrity. They argued that cities must be designed not only to withstand flooding, but to protect human life, organize swift relief, and rebuild better when disaster strikes.
The structural factors behind the crisis operate at three interconnected levels: natural, anthropogenic, and infrastructural. At the natural level, Douala suffers from low topography, high groundwater tables, and heavy coastal rainfall. Anthropogenically, rapid and uncontrolled urbanization has led to severe soil sealing and the destruction of natural wetlands that once absorbed excess water.
Key points
- The young architects propose a 4-point plan to address the recurrent flooding in Douala.
- The plan includes a shift in urban planning, post-flood recovery, infrastructure development, and humanitarian action.
- The architects argue that they must act as proactive guardians of public safety and environmental integrity.
