Camwater Tackles Water Crisis Through Combatting Illegal Connections and Theft

Camwater has dismantled a significant illegal water network affecting supply in Cameroon, which has led to inconsistent service for consumers. The company warns against water theft, emphasizing its illegality and detrimental effects on the community. Reports indicate a surge in water meter theft, with over 10,000 cases in five years, particularly in Douala and Yaoundé. Camwater calls for public cooperation to combat these issues.

Camwater, the public entity responsible for the supply of potable water in Cameroon, has successfully dismantled a significant illegal water network that was adversely impacting the country’s water supply. These illegal connections compromised water pressure and degraded service quality, resulting in frequent disruptions for consumers.

Camwater has issued a stern reminder to the public that engaging in water theft is both illegal and detrimental to the community. The company has committed to implementing rigorous measures against offenders and aims to identify and prosecute those involved in these unlawful activities in accordance with the law.

Additionally, Camwater has observed a worrying increase in fraud and theft of water meters, with over 10,000 cases reported nationwide in recent years. Douala has experienced the highest incidence, with nearly 3,000 meters stolen, followed by Yaoundé with over 2,600 cases. The West region reported 2,110 stolen meters, while the East region had the lowest incidents, totaling only 40.

Statistics indicate a stark rise in meter theft over recent years. In Douala, theft cases escalated from 310 in 2018 to 927 in 2022. Yaoundé witnessed an increase from 44 to 1,316 in the same period, and the Littoral region which recorded no thefts in 2018 now has 80 reported cases.

The primary motive behind the theft of water meters is the copper components they contain, leading to considerable water losses and escalating costs for customers who are compelled to replace the stolen meters, thereby straining household finances.

To combat this crisis, Camwater officials have called for increased public awareness and cooperation to mitigate water theft and fraud. They underscore that such activities jeopardize equitable access to potable water for all.

In conclusion, Camwater is actively addressing the dual challenges of illegal water connections and rampant meter theft, which significantly diminish water supply and affect community welfare. The public has been reminded of the legal implications of water theft, and the company is taking steps to strengthen enforcement against such crimes. Furthermore, the alarming statistics on meter theft underscore the need for collective action to protect this vital resource.

Original Source: www.cameroon-concord.com