Where mountains of waste once piled up and foul odors prevailed, green spaces, landscaped walkways, and relaxation areas now extend. In Abidjan, the former Akouédo landfill has taken on a new look.

Once the city’s only dumping site, covering nearly 90 hectares, the area—closed since late 2018—has now been fully rehabilitated and transformed into an urban park. More than 50 million tonnes of waste were dumped there before cleanup and sanitation works began.

Long exposed to environmental pollution, nearby residents say they are now relieved by this transformation.

“We used to leave the neighborhood in the morning and only return at night to sleep because the environment was so unpleasant,” says N’Goran Kouadio, a mechanic who has lived in Akouédo for more than 25 years.

The site’s reconversion has made the area safer, improved environmental conditions, and turned a saturated landfill into a living space. The park includes sports fields, playgrounds, a botanical walkway, and leisure areas accessible to residents.

The impact is already visible in everyday life, both in terms of living conditions and the health of Akouédo’s residents.

“Mosquitoes, flies, and bad odors used to keep us from sleeping. I even opened a local bar that I had to close because no one wanted to come,” explains Serge Kupé, a driver.

Waste management in Abidjan is now handled by the Kossihouen Technical Landfill and Waste Recovery Center (CVET), located on the outskirts of the city, to ensure more sustainable waste treatment.

With this reconversion, Abidjan has gained a new green lung. The project reflects the government’s commitment to providing residents with a healthier and more pleasant living environment.