Sustainable water access for Minawao camp through new Camwater and UNHCR partnership

In a significant move to bolster public health and infrastructure in the Far North, the Cameroon Water Utilities (Camwater) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have finalized a partnership agreement. This convention, signed in Yaoundé, is specifically designed to provide long-term solutions for drinking water access for both refugees and local host populations.

The focus of this collaborative effort is the Minawao refugee camp and its surrounding areas. By joining forces, Camwater and the UNHCR aim to address the critical needs of vulnerable groups who have been impacted by displacement and regional instability in this part of the West Africa Sahel.

Strategic implementation and support

The formal agreement was signed by Dr. Blaise Moussa, Director General of Camwater, and Yvette Muhimpundu, the UNHCR representative in Cameroun. This initiative is part of a broader program known as “Alternative Solutions for the Minawao Camp,” which receives vital backing from the European Union, the German Cooperation (GIZ), and the UNHCR.

Under the terms of the deal, Camwater will deploy its technical proficiency to oversee the engineering, construction, and maintenance of water supply networks. Meanwhile, the UNHCR will concentrate on its core mission of refugee protection and resilience building, working in close coordination with the government of Cameroun.

Ultimately, this partnership seeks to improve daily living standards and mitigate the strain on local resources caused by high population density. By ensuring a steady flow of clean water, both organizations are working toward a more stable and healthy environment, providing Sahel breaking news regarding positive infrastructure development.