As a result, a drop in waterborne diseases has been noticed in Douala and Yaounde.

The once thirsty Douala inhabitants have begun to smile. This follows not only the return of drinkable water supply to the city following disruptions, but most importantly, the imminent completion of construction of 11 boreholes, with a total capacity of 50,000 cubic metres a day. This will bring the coverage level to about 100 per cent.

Meanwhile, total distribution of drinkable water in the country rose from 30 per cent in 2008 to about 50 in March 2016,” Hubert Abega, Technical Director of the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation, Camwater, said during a news briefing to mark the 2016 World Water Day in Douala on March 22, 2016. Other measures include the imminent extension of networks.

The efforts have come along with dividends such as job creation, drop in waterborne diseases, and other important economic effects. It is for this reason that the World Water Day had as theme, “Water And Employment.” The theme, he explained, underscores the role played by water in the creation and support of quality employment. In Douala, the construction of the 150,000 cubic-metre a day production unit in Yato and other related infrastructure, has helped improved distribution to homes and generated about 400 direct and indirect jobs.

As concerns Yaounde, the newly constructed Mefou Water Unit, with a capacity of 50,000 cubic metres a day, has brought the total capacity to 50 per cent, generating 300 jobs. Two other units are being constructed at Akomnyada to boost production to 90, 000 cubic metres a day, bringing coverage level to 100 per cent. Similarly, 400 km of distribution networks undergoing rehabilitation, strengthening and extension, will create 1,000 jobs and make a positive impact on health and employment. Hubert Abega restated that Camwater remains committed to improving the distribution of drinkable water in urban and peri-urban areas as well as attaining financial equilibrium for the sector.