At African water utilities confab in Yaounde: CAMWATER, partners commit to curb losses, improve services.

The minister of water and energy resources, Gaston Eloundou Essomba and   CAMTER boss, Blaise Moussa, took the engagement as the confab came to a close.

Both officials talked of going to engage actions to curb the huge quantity of water lost through commercial, technical problems or fraud.

Over 40 experts in the water and sanitation from across Africa took part in the exercise.

It was staged under the theme: “Financial viability of water utility companies in Africa: Control of commercial loses and fraud on the water supply network”.

A release which the Executive Director of AfWA, Dr Siméon Kenfack; the director general of CAMWATER, Blaise Moussa, who is AfWA Vice President and Koubra Itno, Member of the Executive Committee of AfWA signed, outlined measures to be taken to curb water losses.

Noting that water security is a key factor in the socio-political and economic development of Africa, the signatories agreed to work for adequate and equitable water for all.

To ensure the quality of water available is not compromised, the members also talked of the need to strengthen South-North and South-South partnerships through different networking channels and peer-to-peer partnerships.

The officials further pledged to strengthen regulations and, where necessary, legislate against water fraud, advocate for the revision of water pricing and billing to ensure a balance of charges. Citizen education in relation to water presentation was also highlighted.

The setting up of a department dedicated to the management, promotion of innovative tools for sectors leakage detection and digitalisation of tools to control commercial losses were also agreed upon.

Stakeholders also concerted to build staff capacity, carry out audits of water losses and seek for new partners with the help of AfWA.

Cameroon like in other Africa countries, Minister Eloundou Essomba, said, is faced with the problem of huge water loss.

Non-Revenue Water, NRW, Minister Eloundou Essomba remarked, remains an environmental, financial and societal danger in Africa.  On this score, he called for a reduction in unbilled water to improve access to drinking water.

He lauded AfWA for strides made in the sector in recent times.  The minister further urged the director general of CAMWATER to continue to work in boldness and tact to fight against loss from unbilled water.

CAMWATER boss, Blaise Moussa, thanked the President of the Republic for supporting the hosting of the symposium.

Discussions, he said have a place within the National Development Strategy 2020-2030, SND30 of the government. He promised to work to ensure access to water for all at affordable prices.