Cameroon Waste Crisis Deepens as Billions Owed to Garbage Collector Remain Unpaid

Cameroon Waste Crisis Deepens as Billions Owed to Garbage Collector Remain Unpaid

Cameroon’s waste management system is facing a severe breakdown as the government owes Hysacam, the country’s main garbage collection company, 7.7 billion CFA francs a debt unchanged since June 2024.

 The unpaid bills have crippled operations, leaving streets littered with trash, dumps overflowing, and residents exposed to serious health risks.

Although another company, Thychlof Sarl, assists in certain areas, the situation remains critical. Local councils are tasked with funding these services, yet nearly 85% of the money comes from the central government, which is struggling to meet its obligations. A 0.5% import tax introduced in 2019 was meant to fund waste collection, but its use remains unclear, fueling concerns about poor management and lack of transparency