The international community will this year celebrate the World Water Day under the theme “Water for Peace”. This theme challenges us in a particular and urgent way. In most of our countries, peace remains fragile. Moreover, social peace is a real commitment for drinking water soldiers that are water and sanitation utilities. Our daily lives are made up of many challenges that have to be overcome by African companies in charge of the distribution of drinking water and sanitation issues. Indeed, the supply of safe drinking water for the benefit of vulnerable groups is a factor of resilience and development in Africa in general and in Central Africa in particular, given the conflict-affected areas. These undermine the efforts made by our various Governments to increase the rate of access to safe drinking water in accordance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Aware of the challenges related to access to safe drinking water for the preservation of peace in general and social peace in particular, as well as its positive impact on survival and well-being of many refugees and internally displaced people arriving in Cameroon due to internal and external crises, the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER) has set to work resolutely, particularly in the border towns, with the support of the Government, bilateral and multilateral partners. In compliance with the instructions of H.E. Mr Paul BIYA, President of the Republic, reiterated in his message to the Nation on December 31, 2023, CAMWATER is working tirelessly to increase the supply of drinking water in urban and sub-urban areas as well as conflict areas. Therefore, CAMWATER is striving to activate all the levers aimed at serving vulnerable populations, displaced persons and victims of all sorts of insecurity. With the support of development partners and humanitarian agencies such as the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), we have made significant investments to strengthen drinking water supply systems in the North west, South west and Far North Regions. These are direct impact projects to support these vulnerable populations and ensure peace. In 2024, CAMWATER will implement drinking water supply projects in the cities of Yaounde and Douala, given the massive presence of internally displaced persons as a result of the crisis in English-speaking regions.

Water for Peace is a perfect reflection of this holistic vision of peace and stability ensured by access to a vital need, necessary for the stability of our countries, our economies and fundamental to strengthen the resilience of communities affected by conflict.