EVALUATING THE ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACTS OF GARAGES IN CAMEROON USING AN IMPACT MATRIX FRAMEWORK: A CASE STUDY

This study focuses on the assessment of environmental impacts of garages in the Yaoundé II (Yaoundé, Cameroon) subdivision. For this aim, several data from observations and surveys have been used. The surveys were conducted in 49 garages representing 73% of the overall garages counted in March 2015 by the Yaoundé II municipality. The impacts have been identified from the in situ informations regarding the components of garages and existing environmental sensitivities. The impacts on the different environmental components are identified from the matrix method of Leopold. Furthermore, we assessed the extent of impacts with the Martin Fecteau’s Matrix. The various activities of the garages grouped into three domains (mechanical, electrical and sheetmetal) have not only negative impacts on the environment, but also positive impacts. The significant negative impacts are air pollution, degradation of ozone layer, soil pollution and degradation of the health of mechanics. To mitigate these impacts, the proposed measures are summarized in the limitation of gaseous and particulate emissions, the prohibition to dispose wastes on ground, the use of protective equipment and compliance with safety rules. In addition, we also noted the positive impacts including: Increasing of the municipality and state incomes through the payment of various taxes, development of the local economy and opportunities for direct and indirect jobs. To maximize these impacts, it is necessary to improve the working conditions of the mechanics with the assistance of public authorities.