Camwater, the public water service in Cameroon, is addressing illegal connections and a surge in water meter thefts that threaten water supply quality. The company warns against tax offenses and plans to pursue strict legal actions against violators. Increasing theft cases strain households as water meters are targeted for their copper components, prompting a call for collective public action.
Camwater, the public enterprise responsible for water production and distribution in Cameroon, has undertaken efforts to dismantle a significant illegal water network that disrupts the national water supply. These unauthorized connections are not only leading to reduced water pressure, but they also degrade service quality for many consumers, causing frequent supply interruptions.
The company has issued a notable warning regarding water theft, categorizing it as illegal and detrimental to social welfare. Camwater emphasizes its commitment to strictly enforce laws against offenders, who will be identified and prosecuted in accordance with legal regulations, thereby protecting the community.
In addition to tackling illegal connections, Camwater has reported a troubling increase in water meter thefts, with over 10,000 incidents observed in the past five years, particularly in 2022. Douala is the most affected city, recording around 3,000 stolen meters, followed by Yaoundé with over 2,600. The West region reported 2,110 cases, while the East region was least affected with only 40 thefts.
A detailed analysis shows a dramatic increase in theft cases: Douala saw thefts rise from 310 meters in 2018 to 927 in 2022, while Yaoundé’s cases expanded from 44 to 1,316 in the same time frame. The Littoral region, previously free of thefts, now reports 80 cases.
The primary target of these thefts is the copper contained within the water meters. This widespread theft results in substantial water loss and escalates costs for consumers who have to bear the expense of replacing stolen meters, thereby straining household budgets.
In light of this growing crisis, company officials are calling for collective public awareness and cooperation to combat theft and fraud, stressing the importance of safeguarding equitable access to potable water for all members of the community.
Camwater is actively combatting illegal water connections and rising meter thefts in Cameroon, which severely impact water supply and quality. With a significant increase in theft incidents, company officials are urging public cooperation to enhance water equity. Strong legal measures against offenders are being enforced to safeguard community access to vital water resources.
Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com
