Water Crisis Cameroon: Camwater Battles Illegal Connections and Rampant Meter Theft

The illegal connections were reducing water pressure and degrading service quality for many consumers, leading to frequent disruptions in supply.

Company Issues Warning on Water Theft

Camwater has reminded the public that water theft is illegal and anti-social, as it affects the entire community. The company has vowed to enforce strict measures against offenders, who will be identified and prosecuted according to the law.

Growing Crisis: Surge in Water Meter Thefts

The company has also reported a sharp rise in fraud and water meter thefts. In 2022 alone, Camwater recorded over 10,000 stolen water meters across the country in the past five years.

• Douala ranks highest with nearly 3,000 stolen meters.
• Yaoundé follows with over 2,600 cases.
• The West region reported 2,110 stolen meters, while the East region remains the least affected, with only 40 cases.

Sharp Increase in Water Meter Theft Cases

Statistics reveal a drastic rise in meter theft:

• In Douala, cases surged from 310 in 2018 to 927 in 2022.
• In Yaoundé, thefts rose from 44 cases to 1,316 within the same period.
• In Littoral, which recorded no thefts in 2018, 80 cases have now been reported.

Copper Theft Behind Rising Water Losses

Camwater reports that stolen meters are mainly targeted for their copper components. This widespread theft has led to significant water losses and higher costs for affected customers, who must purchase new meters, further straining household budgets.

Call for Collective Action

Company officials have urged public awareness and cooperation to curb water theft and fraud, emphasizing that such activities threaten fair access to potable water.