In the town of Pitoa, located in the Bénoué Division of northern Cameroon, residents are struggling to cope with a severe water shortage that has persisted for months. The arrival of a Camwater tanker truck this week drew large crowds, highlighting the growing desperation for clean water in the community.
A Scarcity That Drives Crowds
The rare appearance of the water delivery truck triggered a mass gathering. Men, women, and children rushed to secure a few litres of water. This, however, meant often pushing and shoving for a place in line. The demand highlights the scale of the ongoing crisis, with residents reliant on inconsistent emergency deliveries to meet their basic needs.
“We haven’t had running water for months. The tanker is our only source of drinking water,” explained one local resident, clutching an empty container.
Power Cuts Worsen the Situation
The water crisis in Pitoa is exacerbated by frequent electricity outages. These disruptions have rendered pumping systems inoperable, limiting access to the town’s usual water infrastructure. The combination of power failures and inadequate supply systems has pushed residents to the edge.
Ironically, the town recently experienced its first seasonal rains — an event usually welcomed after the dry season. However, these rains brought more problems than relief. Strong downpours damaged several homes and caused flooding in vulnerable areas.
“The rain we were waiting for ended up destroying part of my house,” reported a resident affected by the flooding.
Water Deliveries: Uncertain and Infrequent
Each visit by the Camwater truck has become an event, as residents gather with jerry cans and buckets, often braving the risk of injury in the rush for water.
“Even an accident won’t stop us,” said a young man waiting near the tanker, emphasizing the lengths residents are willing to go to secure water for their households.
Hope for a Long-Term Solution
As the community continues to face unpredictable water access and infrastructure challenges, residents are calling for urgent and lasting solutions. Many hope for a sustainable restoration of regular water service and improved management of power supply systems to stabilize pumping operations.
For now, however, water remains a scarce resource in Pitoa — and each delivery, a temporary relief in a growing crisis.