Improved drinking water planning challenges in Urban Households’ in Bamenda city, Cameroon

Abstract

Access to improved drinking water remains a fundamental need and a basic human right vital for the dignity and health of all people. There is an urgent need to increase access to improved drinking water in urban households in Bamenda city where a low proportion currently appears to be having access. There also exist marked disparity in access amongst the different Sub-divisions which is still to be scientifically investigated. This study sets out to investigate the improved drinking water planning challenges in urban households in Bamenda, Cameroon. The study used systematic field observation, household surveys and administration of 520 copies of questionnaire to urban household heads as primary sources of data collection. The administration of the 520 copies of questionnaire was carried out using purposive and simple random sampling techniques within Bamenda I, II and III Sub-Divisions. Primary data were matched with secondary source information obtained from WHO, UNICEF, UN, CDC, UNDP, PAHO and The University of Bamenda Central Library. Findings revealed that standpipes (41.3%), protected dug well (51.9%), piped water connected to households (54.8%), boreholes (61.9%), rain water collection (63.3%) and spring water harnessed to households (38.6%) constitutes the main urban households improved drinking water sources. Also, natural factors (33.67%) and planning-related challenges (63.33%) work together to limit access to improved drinking water to households. Field observation and measurements revealed that less than 5 urban households share a common water source, while other 42.88% cover <50m to get to the nearest improved drinking water source point. The study highlights that improved drinking water in Bamenda city is currently a limited and non-basic service. The study recommends the expansion of improved drinking water infrastructure by the relevant stakeholders, systematic data collection on factors affecting access to improved drinking water by urban households for better decision making, seek ways to increase accessibility of improved drinking water by the government via MINEE and MINDUH and finally, households should build water towers to store water for continuous use.