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Camwater plans to install 200 community-managed public water fountains in the first half of 2026.
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Only 29% of Cameroonian households currently have access to the public water network, with significant losses due to leaks and unauthorized connections.
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The initiative aligns with broader infrastructure projects, including World Bank-backed programs and a national goal of universal urban water access by 2030.
Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (Camwater), the state-owned water operator, announced plans to build 200 community-managed public water fountains during the first half of 2026. The initiative will involve decentralized local authorities, according to a company briefing obtained by SBBC, and follows directives from President Paul Biya to strengthen long-term access to potable water.
During his December 31, 2025 national address, Biya called for intensified rehabilitation and expansion of distribution networks, citing “remarkable progress” despite numerous internal and external constraints. Camwater said the new fountains will provide an immediate response in areas facing acute water stress.
The distribution plan aims to reduce collection distances in urban and rural underserved areas. Camwater will install 50 fountains in Yaoundé, 50 in Douala, and 10 in each of the country’s ten regions. “After this six-month pilot phase, we will expand the project based on results, local authority needs, and resource availability to cover more high-demand areas,” the company said.
Alternative sources remain critical. A 2021 survey by the National Institute of Statistics (INS) found that only 29% of households access the public network. Camwater reported losing 53% of production due to leaks and unauthorized connections. Households rely on boreholes or pumped wells (40%), protected wells (17%), unprotected wells (14%), and protected springs (10%), which carry notable health risks.
Camwater described the fountains as a “stopgap measure in major urban centers” ahead of planned upgrades to Yaoundé and Douala’s water systems in 2026. Key projects include Sewash, backed by the World Bank; PAEPYS, which draws from the Sanaga River to supply Yaoundé; and the rehabilitation and expansion of the Japoma station in Douala to increase production and distribution capacity.
The company also plans a national rollout of 200,000 new household connections to expand coverage, reduce illegal hookups, and grow the subscriber base.
Camwater said it aims for universal urban access (100%) and 85% rural access by 2030. In 2023, the company installed 76 fountains in Ngaoundéré, Adamaoua’s regional capital. Camwater said the new fountains will bring water closer to households, ease the burden on women and children, ensure safe quality water for vulnerable groups, and reduce conflicts over scarce resources.
Cameroon had set a 75% national access target under Vision 2025. The National Development Strategy 2020-2030 (SND30) now targets universal urban access and 85% rural coverage. Camwater framed the 200-fountain initiative as a recognition of persistent gaps and a step toward achieving Sustainable Development Goal 6.
This article was initially published in French by Patricia Ngo Ngouem
Adapted in English by Ange Jason Quenum