Camwater Tackles Water Theft and Illegal Connections in Cameroon

Camwater has dismantled a large illegal water network in Cameroon, which compromised water supply and service quality. The company warns against water theft, emphasizing legal ramifications for offenders. Additionally, meter theft has surged, particularly in Douala and Yaoundé, primarily due to stolen copper components. Camwater urges public cooperation to address these challenges.

Camwater, the official body managing water supply in Cameroon, has dismantled an extensive network of illegal water connections that hindered the nation’s water distribution, resulting in diminished water pressure and frequent service interruptions. This crackdown is essential for improving service quality for citizens impacted by these unauthorized networks.

The company has issued a stern warning that water theft is illegal and detrimental to communal wellbeing. Camwater intends to implement rigorous measures against individuals caught stealing water, including identification and legal prosecution, demonstrating their commitment to protecting public resources.

In recent years, there has been a notable increase in water meter theft, with over 10,000 meters reported stolen nationally since 2018. Douala has the highest incidence with approximately 3,000 stolen meters, followed by Yaoundé with over 2,600, while the East region shows minimal affected cases with only 40 reported thefts.

Analyzing theft statistics reveals a significant escalation in incidents; Douala’s thefts jumped from 310 in 2018 to 927 in 2022, and Yaoundé saw an increase from 44 cases to 1,316 during the same timeframe. This sharp rise indicates a troubling trend that necessitates immediate intervention.

The motivations behind these thefts stem predominantly from the high value of the copper components within the meters. The ensuing losses have compounded financial stress on consumers, who must buy replacement meters, further exacerbating household expenses.

Camwater officials are calling for enhanced public awareness and collaboration to combat these issues, stressing the importance of collective action to ensure equitable access to clean water for all residents. Addressing water theft is crucial for safeguarding this vital resource in the community.

In conclusion, Cameroon faces a significant challenge with illegal water connections and the theft of water meters. Camwater’s efforts to dismantle networks of illegal access and enforce laws against theft are critical for improving water supply and ensuring communal access to potable water. Increased theft not only exacerbates water scarcity but also places financial burdens on consumers. Collective public action is essential to resolve these issues effectively.

Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com