State-owned water utility, Cameroon Water Utilities (Camwater), announced on Monday it uncovered and dismantled a “vast” fraud network in Yaounde’s Mvan district.
Camwater, stating the operation involved bailiffs, destroyed approximately 40 illicit connections that caused significant financial harm.
“Those responsible for these illicit connections, which undermine the smooth running of Camwater, will be brought before the competent legal authorities,” Camwater’s communications unit wrote on Facebook.
Hydraulic fraud causes annual losses estimated at XAF12 billion for the public drinking water sector. According to Managing Director Blaise Moussa, these illegal water connections are a growing problem in Yaounde and Douala, hindering investment projects. Moussa attributed the surge in fraud to “complacency, serious shortcomings and complicity” within Camwater’s distribution units.
Camwater pledged to work with authorities to relentlessly combat water fraud. In November 2022, management called for greater “rigor, selflessness and professionalism”to eliminate the problem, specifically targeting those involved with development, operation, surveillance, and security of water distribution.
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