Cameroon National Strategy on WRM

Water is a source of life or better still the origin of life. It is a habitat for animals and fishes, a means of transport and production and a commodity. By its very nature, water creates networks: it is linked to other natural resources such as land, forest, biodiversity, etc. water systems are connected to each other such that environmental problems in one geographical locality have far reaching repercussions to another hydrographic basin. Various groups and stakeholders use water for their needs. Water is international, national, regional and local, with highly diverse temporal and spatial frames of reference. The complexity of this network makes it difficult to implement adequate management measures. 

Despite the vital importance of water, Increase in water needs due to high population growth, rapid increase in industrialization trends, pollution, poor waste water treatment systems, gradual disappearance of the worlds wet zones, increase dams construction (over 47 000majordams worldwide), conflicts and disputes over water, poor water quality leading to water borne diseases outbreak, justifies the need for proper management of this vital resource.

Measures taken include policies and strategies on the international, regional and national level by governments and stake holders for sustainable water management now incorporated into Integrated Water Resources Management which is seen as a possible solution. 

At the level of Cameroon, Water management strategies and policies are enshrined into institutional international conventions implicitly (the CEDAW and CRC) and explicitly in national legislations notably the environmental law and water law code enacted on 5^th august 1996 and 14^th April 1998 respectively.

The CECDAW and CRC international human rights conventions,  call on state parties to ensure the right of women and children to water supply and clean water respectively(article 14(2h) of CEDAW & article 14 of CRC). Inline with this, Cameroon as signatory state, pledges to adhere to the right of women and children to quality drinking water as an inalienable human right. 

In respect to her commitments Cameroon enacted two major water management laws stating and defining the state’s national policies and strategy on water management. Firstly, Cameroon environmental law enshrined in Law N°96/12 of 5 august 1996 relating to environmental management in part 111, chapter 11, section 11 on the protection of continental waters and flood plains, article 25, to 30 requires the administration in charge of water resources to ensure adequate water pollution management and the protection of flood plains. As per this article they must keep an inventory of dangerous chemicals and substances liable to pollute water courses and the protection of flood plains, while considering their effect on biodiversity conservation. To regulate and or prevent the dumping of harmful and dangerous substances into water courses it compels existing and future plants to conform to dumping regulations applicable.

Section 111 articles 31 to 35 on the protection of Coastal and maritime waters, prohibits the discharge, immersion as well as incineration of all substances likely to damage human health as well as maritime biological resources and hinder activities (fishing, navigation aquaculture), alter the quality of maritime waters (from their use point of view), down grade the use of authorization and touristic value of shores. It  further states that any company or plant ,ship carrying harmful substances like hydrocarbons must notify the authorities in charge and pay for the cost required for rehabilitation of the said water in the case where dangerous substances infiltrates into water due to accidents. It prohibits authorized temporary occupation of marine sites that may hinder access and free movement on shores or promote erosion or degradation on the site. 

Reiterating government’s commitment, article 2 (1) of the water code law No. 98-005 of 14 April 1998) states:  “Water is part of the common heritage of the nation; the State provides its protection and management and must facilitate access to water for everyone. 

 

Criteria Families:

Recognition of the Human Right to water and sanitation & General Obligation” By this law the Cameroon government pledges to carry out reforms for the amelioration of water resources management and better execution of water supply programs.

Partners of CECOSDA:

GWP

MINEPDED CAMEROON

 

 

 

 

 

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