Residents of Waza, a subdivision in the Logone and Chari division, Far North region of Cameroon say they have gone for ten days without water.
In addition to the water shortage, the nature of the terrain has not made matters any easier for them, as several wells and boreholes are also reported to have dried up, compelling them to trek long distances to fetch water.
“We are dying of thirst. We now have to travel more than 10 to 15 km to get water. Our children cannot go to school because in the morning we have to go and get water,” says Djemba Bouba, resident of Waza.
While those who can afford it make use of donkeys and motorbikes, a greater majority of the population have no choice but to go on foot.
“We are forced to trek with our children or buy a 20-liter can for 300frs. Imagine how it is for me as a family head,” says another Waza resident, Djibril Salé.
He adds that: “I sometimes need ten 20-liter cans with my children, but if I have to buy a can at 300 FCFA, where are we going to find this money? We are plunged into total insecurity to which adds to the health crisis. We are really stuck”.
With the Boko Haram insurgency, the COVID-19 pandemic, and now the water scarcity, survival in Waza is fast becoming a preserve for the rich only.
Authorities have made no remarks or outlined any plans to remedy the water shortage crisis.
Mimi Mefo Info
Far North: Waza residents in second week of acute water shortage
