Potable Water Scarcity and Options for Effective Provision in Limbe Municipality, Southwest Region, Cameroon

Abstract


 Continuous potable water scarcities in Limbe municipality if not well manage and ensure a regular provision of it may lead to many disastrous consequences to the massive growing population of this municipality. Lack of safe drinking water is a severe crisis in Limbe and Cameroon due to poor management strategies employed by the water management bodies involved. The study investigated the implications of water scarcity in Limbe municipality and the options for effective provision of potable water. A questionnaire survey was carried out. About 300 questionnaires were administered in three localities of Limbe to investigate the present status of water scarcity and its impacts on the local communities. The results show an increasing rate of potable water scarcity in the municipality. About 51% of the respondents indicated that inadequate storage facilities are the main caused of water scarcity in the town. In contrast, 26% and 23% of the respondents indicated that inadequate technology and low level of education are other reasons contributing to potable water scarcity in Limbe municipality. Many people in the municipality depend on untreated water sources, resulting in the contraction of many diseases like dysentery and diarrhea as prime waterborne health risks. We suggest options like installing large water safety tanks in all the localities of Limbe municipality. Furthermore, implementing a joint monitoring team to ensure that effective potable water treatment and supply is being done and the bodies involved in water management like the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER) need to initiate a platform for multi-stakeholder dialogue, networking and social learning essentially for building trust on how to manage potable water supply in the municipality better.