The World Bank has approved the first phase of the Cameroon Water Security Program under its Multiphase Programmatic Approach (MPA). This initiative aims to strengthen institutions, enhance water resources management, and increase access to water and sanitation services in specific regions of Cameroon. The program's total funding is $950 million, with contributions from the International Development Association (IDA) and other sources. It is set to span 11 years, from May 2025 to May 2036.
The program will be implemented in three phases: a $200 million initial phase, followed by a $400 million second phase, and a $350 million third phase. The first phase focuses on building institutional capacity for Integrated Water Resources Management (IWRM) and expanding access to water and sanitation services in selected areas of Cameroon. These areas include Adamawa, North, Far North regions, as well as Yaoundé and Douala.
Cheick F. Kanté, Division Director for Cameroon at the World Bank, highlighted the current challenges faced by Cameroon in meeting its 2030 targets for drinking water and sanitation access in rural areas. He stated: “Cameroon is still far from its 2030 targets of increasing access to drinking water to 77% and access to sanitation to 56% in rural areas.” He further emphasized that this new program is expected to provide drinking water to about 3.9 million people and sanitation services to approximately 2.9 million people.
In addition to improving institutional frameworks for IWRM and service delivery, the program aims to establish a financial resource allocation system that will facilitate increased access during subsequent phases. Investments will also focus on enhancing water security and sanitation infrastructure in prioritized rural and semi-urban locations.
Moreover, the program includes support for transforming CAMWATER—the national water utility—to improve service delivery standards for its customers.