Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Mimi Mefo Info (Editor)
Published on 2024-03-19 15:00:50
By Washira Helene
After enduring four frustrating days without clean water, residents of several neighborhoods in Douala have finally received a response from the national water utility, Camwater.
In a statement released on Monday, March 18, Camwater acknowledged the water shortage affecting areas such as Deido, Bonaloka, Bepanda, Bali, Ndokotti, and others. The main issue at hand was identified as the Bonabéri water treatment station.
According to the statement, Camwater is working in collaboration with energy provider Sonatrel to tackle the challenges at the station. While the specific nature of these challenges was not detailed in the press release, there was a message of hope for residents. Camwater reassured the public that the situation is gradually improving, hinting at a progressive restoration of water supply in the affected neighborhoods.
The lack of water for four days caused significant disruptions for the residents of Douala. Many struggled to maintain basic hygiene, do their laundry, or even prepare meals. The situation also raised concerns about sanitation, especially in densely populated areas.
While Camwater’s statement brings some relief, it does not address the root cause of the problem or provide a clear timeline for when normal water service will be fully restored. Residents are likely to remain skeptical until their taps start running consistently again.
This incident underscores the importance of having reliable water infrastructure and effective communication during service disruptions. Douala residents have expressed frustration over the lack of information during the water outage. Going forward, Camwater can improve public trust by offering more transparent and timely updates during such interruptions.
It’s not just Douala that is grappling with water challenges, as many towns in Cameroon, including those in the North and South West regions, also face similar issues.
For now, residents in the affected neighborhoods are eagerly awaiting the return of running water. While Camwater’s collaboration with Sonatrel is a positive step, they must follow through on their promise of a gradual return to normalcy in order to regain the confidence of the public.
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Related: Many towns in Cameroon, including Douala, face water challenges. Residents in the North and South West regions are frequently dealing with similar issues.
Read the original article(French) on Mimi Mefo Info
