New Walk Ways in New Bell
Transforming unsanitary open-air gutters into safe and accessible walkways.
Initiator(s)
Kamiel Verschuren
Description
The city of Douala in Cameroon had a huge problem associated with malfunctioning water drainage systems. This is due the fact that in many illegally constructed areas of the town, the sewers are without cover, and after heavy rainfall, this would generally lead to floods and related threats to public health. Verschuren covered approximately 2km of open-air gutters in the New Bell neighbourhood, with long wooden boards on which the artist wrote texts andmwords associated with water.
Goals
The project offers inhabitants the possibility of mastering and improving their living conditions, inviting them to lead spontaneous collective activities such as the functional work of Verschuren.
Beneficial outcomes
The project was much appreciated by the people living in New Bell, including the 'chief', who took it upon himself to make sure that people gain more consciousness on how to deal with garbage produced in the neighbourhood in order to keep the sewer – and the drinking water – from becoming more polluted.
Location
Cameroon
Users
Kamiel Vershuren, Lucas Grandin, inhabitants of New Bell (Douala)
Maintained by
SUD2010 , Duala'Art
Duration
2010 - ongoing
Category
Scientific
Pedagogical
Politics
Urban Development
Economy
Environment
Social
