Camwater Addresses Challenges of Illegal Connections and Meter Theft in Cameroon
Camwater has dismantled an illegal water network affecting supply in Cameroon, leading to reduced pressure and service quality. The company warns against water theft, pledges strict enforcement, and reports over 10,000 meter thefts in five years, urging public cooperation to combat these issues. The rise in thefts, primarily for copper, is causing significant water losses and financial strain on consumers, necessitating a community response for equitable water access.
Camwater, the public enterprise responsible for the production and distribution of potable water in Cameroon, has recently dismantled an extensive illegal water network that has been undermining the country’s water supply. Such unlawful connections are diminishing water pressure and degrading service quality, resulting in frequent disruptions for consumers.
In light of these developments, Camwater has issued a stern reminder regarding the illegality and anti-social nature of water theft. The company has pledged to implement stringent measures against offenders, who will be duly identified and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Moreover, Camwater has reported a concerning increase in water meter thefts, with over 10,000 stolen water meters documented in just five years up to 2022. Douala accounted for nearly 3,000 of these thefts, followed by Yaoundé with over 2,600 cases, while the West region reported 2,110 stolen meters, and the East region noted a mere 40 cases.
The statistics illustrate a significant escalation in meter theft incidents. In Douala, reported thefts rose sharply from 310 in 2018 to 927 in 2022. Similarly, in Yaoundé, cases surged from 44 to 1,316 during the same period. Previously, Littoral had encountered no thefts in 2018, yet 80 cases have now been reported.
The primary motive for these thefts appears to be the copper components of the stolen meters. This growing trend has resulted in substantial water losses and imposed higher costs on affected customers, who must invest in new meters, thereby putting additional strain on household finances.
In response to these challenges, Camwater officials are calling for public awareness and cooperation to combat water theft and fraud, emphasizing that such criminal acts jeopardize equitable access to safe drinking water for all individuals in the community.
In conclusion, the water crisis in Cameroon, driven by illegal connections and escalating water meter thefts, poses significant challenges to Camwater’s ability to deliver reliable services. The company’s commitment to combating water theft through stringent enforcement measures is noteworthy. However, collective action and public awareness are essential to ensure equitable access to potable water for all citizens. Addressing this crisis requires a unified effort to eliminate fraudulent practices and protect water resources.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
