Impacts de l’exploitation des substances de carrières sur l’environnement biophysique et humain dans la localité de Mbankomo.

Abstract

Since the adoption of the National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND 30), following the Strategy Document for growth and Employment (DSCE) 2009-2019, Cameroon intends to improve the living conditions of its populations through structural transformation and inclusive development. This document is based on the lessons of the implementation of the DSCE, which had set up growth strategies allowing better access to the infrastructures of various orders. Indeed, the implementation of major structural projects and especially the construction of various social buildings highlights, the problem of supplying aggregate to be able to satisfy this fabulous market on time and in quantity, while the environment is increasingly suffering the pressure due to the extraction of these resources. From where the attention is more and more given to the development of the stone quarries, especially that the development of the infrastructures-based on the concrete is in the process of growth in the city of Yaoundé, its periphery and the neighboring secondary towns (Mbankomo, Mbalmayo, Ngoumou, Soa, Akono, Obala, Okola, Mfou, ect.). In this context, this work aims to show that the exploitation of quarries significantly threatens the biophysical and human environment in Mbankomo, even if it contributes to the development of the locality on the socio -economic level. Primary and secondary data obtained from documentation centers on the one hand and direct observations, questionnaires and interviews on the other hand were used to carry out this studdy. In the same methodological approach, the use of software such as SPSS, Arc Gis, Microsoft Excel and Word allowed us to process data. The interaction matrix for the identification of the impacts and the evaluation grid for the absolute importance, were used in order to have an overall idea on the real consequences of this activity within this locality. The results of the investigations show that in the process, the management and monitoring of quarries on compliance with environmental and social closures are not effective. In 2015 we had 79% of natives as employees whereas at present we are at 50% of natives. This demonstrates the decrease in the conclusions of the specifications with the different companies in place. We also note the proliferation of complaints by local residents against operators on collateral damage, the destruction of social infrastructure without real compensation or state action. All this plunges local residents particularly into great concern about the usefulness for them of these quarries in view of the damage that they cause in their living environment. Moreover, the consequences on the physical and sanitary environment are enormous ; there is noise and olfactory pollution, dust, the deterioration of the quality of water and soil ; the destruction of biodiversity, resulting in the development of respiratory and diarrheal diseases and those known as occupational diseases (as far as quarry personnel are concerned). We have 159 patients received between March and April 2022, therefore 126 suffer from illnesses that can be affected by the cause of careers. However careers constitute in part the feeder udder of the municipality which intends that they pay the Tax on the Transport of Quarry Products (TTPC) which amounts to 3000 CFA francs per truck, also some contribute to the construction of the ways of communication to the example of the corridor Simbock- Eloumden and Eloumden I- Nomayos and this contributes to opening up the area. Based on the above, the results show out of 17 impacts, that only 2 relating to the economic plane are positive and it is on this basis that recommendations have been made, in particular on strengthening monitoring and improving technics; operations in order to promote sustainable development, which guarantees respect for the environment and for people.