The Douala Urban Community (CUD) is intensifying its efforts to protect public land reserves, facing increasing illegal occupation. During a workshop held on May 5, 2026, Mayor Roger Mbassa Ndine announced stricter legal measures against illegal occupants of these lands.
The issue for the CUD goes beyond simply managing urban planning. The occupation or diversion of land intended for roads and public facilities hinders urban planning and increases future investment costs. These land reserves are essential to support the expansion of the metropolis, allowing the construction of roads, schools, health centers, markets and recreational areas.
The gradual disappearance of available public land in Douala compromises the predictability of urban development, exacerbates spatial inequalities and increases the bill for collective investments. The CUD is promoting a range of measures including fines, demolitions and legal proceedings against offenders. The municipality also reminds that the marketing of unapproved housing estates exposes the authors to legal sanctions.
This action by the CUD is part of a context where the State seeks to strengthen land security through the digitalization of the land registry. The objective is to improve the traceability of land titles, to clearly identify the spaces reserved for collective facilities and to limit irregular registrations.
Douala, a fast-growing metropolis, faces increased land pressure. In January 2026, the city launched a project to revise its land use plans in order to adapt to a galloping demography, with a projection of 8 to 10 million inhabitants. The municipality plans to invest 3 billion FCFA over three years to build up land reserves for projects of general interest.
Land management in Douala is a major challenge, exacerbated by urban sprawl, inadequate infrastructure and the proliferation of illegal constructions. The anarchic occupation of land, often located in risky areas such as flood zones, compromises the sustainability of the city.
Faced with these challenges, the CUD is relying on an approach combining repression and prevention, with a particular focus on raising public awareness and dialogue with stakeholders. The preservation of land reserves is essential to ensure harmonious urban development and improve the quality of life of the people of Douala.
The battle for control of land in Douala is a crucial issue for the future of the city. The ability of the CUD to enforce urban planning rules and preserve reserved spaces will largely determine its ability to ensure sustainable and equitable development for all its inhabitants.
By securing its land, Douala intends to give itself the means to achieve its ambition: to become an attractive, sustainable metropolis where life is good.
