Chocking the Highlands: Bright Light Projects Documentary on Waste Management in Bamenda, Cameroon
3 min read
Bright Light Projects, a non-profit organization with mission “Implementing sustainable community-based projects through strategic partnerships in urban and rural communities in sub-Saharan Africa and the United States” and vision “Promote and support Bright Light Projects beneficiaries to become self-reliant and contribute positively to their communities’ development”, has released a powerful new documentary, “Chocking the Highlands: Waste Pollution in Bamenda,” shining a light on the growing environmental crisis in the region. This documentary is in line with one of BLP’s flagship program; Environmental Sustainability program conceived under one of BLP’s project titled “Promoting Sustainable Waste management and Economic Opportunity Through Plastic Recycling in Bamenda, Cameroon, and Makeni, Sierra Leone” The film, directed by Franco Bonghan, the executive director for BLP, takes viewers on a journey through the streets, streams, dump sites and public places in Bamenda, showcasing the devastating impact of unchecked waste accumulation on the city’s environment and its residents’ health. The documentary, “Chocking the Highlands” exposes a stark reality of how the overflowing garbage dumps, choked waterways, and a lack of proper waste management infrastructure are threatening the very heart of the highlands.
The documentary features interviews with local residents, community leaders, state officials’ farmers and other partners affected by the poor waste management or who bear the responsibility to protect the environment, highlighting the hardships they face as a result of the waste. Some of the risks highlighted include; health Risks as individuals highlights the constant threat of diseases like malaria and cholera due to polluted water sources and overflowing dumps.
Economic Impacts given that the lack of proper waste management systems hinders economic activity, impacting businesses and tourism in the region. Also, environmental Degradation is even more evident as the film documents the destruction of natural beauty and the loss of biodiversity due to unchecked pollution. Chocking the Highlands” is not just about highlighting the problem but it is a call to action. The film showcases the efforts of local organizations and individuals working to address the waste crisis in the region. The documentary thus profiles groups working on waste collection, sorting, and recycling programs, while also highlighting efforts to educate communities about proper waste disposal practices and the importance of environmental conservation. The film further underscores the need for government intervention, urging authorities to invest in sustainable waste management infrastructure and enforce
regulations.
According to the Shing Praise Wandia (program manager for Bright Light Projects), “chocking the Highlands” is a powerful testament to the resilience of the people of Bamenda and their commitment to protecting their environment. The film serves as a wake-up call, urging local authorities, NGOs, and the international community to address this critical issue before the highlands are irrevocably damaged.
Full link to Documentary below:
https://youtu.be/OzpyU2Oan1Y?si=xjfE4Rr70DJVN2vb
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
Berinyuy Cajetan is the founder and publisher of Human Rights and Legal Research Centre (HRLRC) since 2017. He has intensive experience in strategic communications for Civil Society Organizations, campaign and advocacy, and social issues. He has an intensive experiencing in human rights monitoring, documentation and reporting.
