Research Article
Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Existing Preventive Fire-Fighting Measures in the City of Douala, Cameroon, to Improve Decision-Making and Public Safety
Batambock Samuel*,
Nyatte Nyatte Jean,
Ndoh Mbue Innocent,
Dieudonne Bitondo,
Kikmo Wilba Christophe,
Mouangue Ruben
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
122-136
Received:
8 September 2024
Accepted:
24 September 2024
Published:
18 October 2024
Abstract: The storage of hydrocarbons in urban areas poses significant risks to local populations, including the potential for fire, explosion, groundwater contamination, and air pollution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of current fire prevention and suppression strategies in the city of Douala. The study will be approached by first identifying, geolocating, and characterizing urban firefighting equipment. Subsequently, a proposal will be put forth for a response system to safeguard the city in the event of a catastrophic fire at a service station. In order to achieve this objective, the current regulatory framework governing the location of FH facilities was subjected to a thorough examination. Subsequently, pivotal compliance factors were identified, operationalized, and an audit checklist was formulated. A safety questionnaire was utilized to assess the equipment within service stations. GPS technology was employed to record the GPS coordinates of the FHs. GIS10.3.1 software was utilized to evaluate the BI distribution model. The data obtained from the questionnaires were analyzed using SPSS20.0 software, which revealed that the 142 BIs studied were essentially randomly distributed across the following neighborhoods. The results of the election yielded the following results: Bonamoussadi 27 (19%), Bonandjo 19 (13%), Bali 02 (1%), Deido 09 (6%), Akwa Nord 03 (2%), Bonamoussadi 18 (12%), Makepe 18 (12%), and B. The remaining 5% is distributed among the following: Assa, Bepanda, Cité-Sic, Ndogbong, Cité des Palmiers, Bonaberi, and New-Bell. Of the 142 FH identified, 30 (21.12%) lack water, and 4 (2.81%) have a flow rate of less than 30 m³/h with a dynamic pressure of less than 1 bar. Seventeen (11.97%) are inaccessible; 79 (55.63%) are operational; five (3.52%) are challenging to operate; and seven (4.92%) are situated within a private enclosure. The response time of the fire department is inadequate for all stations situated more than 3 km from their base in Ngondi-Douala. Only 17 (11.52%) of the stations are situated at distances of less than 5.83 km, which is conducive to efficient intervention. In contrast, 134 (88.74%) of the stations are located at distances of 5.83 km or more from the fire department base, which is not conducive to efficient intervention. The results indicate that the BIs are situated at considerable distances from the stations. Notably, the Total Laquitinie station is the sole city station with a FH located at its entrance. The database developed in this study could serve as a valuable resource for policymakers to inform appropriate action.
Abstract: The storage of hydrocarbons in urban areas poses significant risks to local populations, including the potential for fire, explosion, groundwater contamination, and air pollution. The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of current fire prevention and suppression strategies in the city of Douala. The study will be approached by first...
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Research Article
Environmental Injustice and Multilateral Financing: Conflicts Between International Financial Institutions and Communities in Latin America
Douglas de Almeida Silva*
,
Marcel Fantin
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
137-145
Received:
23 September 2024
Accepted:
15 October 2024
Published:
11 November 2024
DOI:
10.11648/j.urp.20240904.12
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Abstract: In the context of the crisis of multilateralism following the 2008 financial crisis, projects financed by multilateral organizations have exacerbated socio-environmental conflicts in the Global South, particularly in Latin America. The conflict mediation processes conducted by Accountability Mechanisms are expected to result in socio-environmental reparations, a claim that has been disputed by affected communities. This article analyzes the conflicts surrounding International Financial Institution (IFI) Financing in development projects for cities and regions in the Global South. The question is: how have Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs) addressed environmental injustices resulting from projects financed by International Financial Institutions? To understand this issue, the objective of the research is to understand the accountability strategies of the Independent Mechanisms and the sustainability discourse of Multilateral Organizations. The research focus was defined based on the activities of Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAMs), which organized several virtual meetings with civil society during 2020 and 2021. The methodology employed participant observation, with findings documented in a field notebook. The theoretical framework draws on the concept of environmental justice, both in its American version, as articulated by Dr. Robert Bullard, and its Latin American counterpart, often referred to as the 'environmentalism of the poor,' by Joan Martínez Alier. The results revealed the limitations of IAMs in mediating and investigating violations of social and environmental safeguards. Socio-environmental reparations for communities affected by projects funded by International Financial Institutions (IFIs) fall outside the scope of IAMs' activities. Additionally, the IFIs have not established socio-environmental reparation funds for these affected communities. The data collected through participant observation and recorded in the field notebook were interpreted and analyzed within this theoretical framework. These findings can provide valuable insights to improve decision-making processes, promoting greater equity and sustainability in the relationships between IFIs and communities impacted by large-scale projects in Latin America.
Abstract: In the context of the crisis of multilateralism following the 2008 financial crisis, projects financed by multilateral organizations have exacerbated socio-environmental conflicts in the Global South, particularly in Latin America. The conflict mediation processes conducted by Accountability Mechanisms are expected to result in socio-environmental ...
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Research Article
Use of Geo-Information Technologies in Predicting Urban Growth Trends; An Integrated Simulation Approach: The Case Study of Limuru Central Ward
Ivy Njeri Gichuki*,
Andrew Thiaine Imwati
Issue:
Volume 9, Issue 4, December 2024
Pages:
146-161
Received:
22 August 2024
Accepted:
26 November 2024
Published:
13 December 2024
Abstract: Urban areas exhibit different growth patterns spanning from linear development, transit-oriented development, concentric zonal development to multi-nuclei development patterns. In the world we live in today, main urban areas present themselves as Central Business Districts (CBDs), that double up as mixed use commercial and residential areas, which serve most of the population who live in and around them. Ideally, the CBD sites – for most cities around the world, were identified in advance, making it easier for the local authorities to demarcate and plan for sustainable development. Most, if not all jobs, are in these urban areas, making these employment areas urban growth hotspots. Changes in economic processes and evolution of transport networks are the foundation of urban growth and expansion, in that, there is a shift from functional specialization of the CBD to economic specialization of the surrounding urban areas, as in the case of Rhine Main Region in Germany. In Kenya, most of the known urban areas, like Limuru Town, emerged as traditional markets in the 1900’s and grew to modern urban areas and municipalities. Urban growth in Limuru was propelled by the existence of modern infrastructure, reduced land rates, presence of government facilities, security, water and employment from the nearby tea farms and factories. However, urban growth has been accompanied by rapid land use changes and sporicidal growth of informal settlements. As a result, urban areas growing in Limuru Central Ward, are deprived of basic infrastructure, public purpose facilities, land use harmonization and spatial synergies. This study therefore attempts to explore the use of GIS and Remote sensing technologies in observing past and present urban growth trends, that pave the way for predicting sustainable urban planning. The findings from this study are expected to contribute to the knowledge of simulating how urban centers can be planned in the present to cater for the future needs of the growing population. Predicting urban growth trends introduces more practical ways of spatial planning and policy development in developing countries, through spatial analysis and modelling using GIS and Remote Sensing technologies.
Abstract: Urban areas exhibit different growth patterns spanning from linear development, transit-oriented development, concentric zonal development to multi-nuclei development patterns. In the world we live in today, main urban areas present themselves as Central Business Districts (CBDs), that double up as mixed use commercial and residential areas, which ...
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