For several days, residents of Douala have been grappling with significant disruptions in the supply of potable water, a situation affecting numerous neighborhoods in Cameroon's economic capital. Access to water has become a daily challenge for many Doualans, forcing them to adapt their habits and seek alternative solutions for sourcing water.
The Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (Camwater) announced in a statement dated April 13, 2026, that these disruptions are due to the temporary shutdown of the Yato production plant. This interruption is a result of major works undertaken by Sonatrel on the electrical grid supplying the plant. These works, while necessary, have a direct impact on the capacity to produce and distribute water in the city.
The disruptions began on April 11 and affect a large number of neighborhoods, including Bonabéri, Bépanda, Deido, Cité SIC, New Bell, Akwa, Bonaloka, Ndokpassi, Bali, Youpwé, Bonapriso, and Mboppi. Residents of these areas are forced to cope with water shortages, sometimes requiring them to travel long distances to find water sources.
Faced with this situation, the populations are organizing as best they can. Some residents are using their personal water reserves, while others are turning to boreholes to try to overcome the lack of water. However, these solutions are not always sufficient to meet everyone's needs, and concern is growing as the situation continues.
In response to this crisis, Camwater has implemented a water supply service using tanker trucks, primarily targeting the most affected neighborhoods. Although this emergency measure aims to mitigate the effects of the shortage, it does not completely dispel the concerns of the population, which faces recurring problems with access to water. Access to potable water remains a crucial issue for the residents of Douala.
The current situation highlights the challenges related to water management and distribution in large African cities, where rapid population growth and aging infrastructure can lead to disruptions in the supply of essential services. The relevant authorities are called upon to find sustainable solutions to ensure reliable access to potable water for all residents of Douala.
