WATER FOR HOUSEHOLDS ---- Construction of Modern Wells Equipped With Large Water Tanks Due To Scarcity of Water in Cameroon

Due to scarcity of water in Cameroon, modern wells equipped with large water tanks are the hottest trend. Poor construction norms and poor maintenance of the tanks increase risks of collapsing or water pollution caused by the dirty tanks that are never cleaned up.

Groundwater is more reliable and advantageous over surface water supplies because it responds more slowly to variability in climate conditions, including drought, and it is generally of better quality than surface water. Due to very high shortage and epileptic nature of pipe-borne water in many urban and perri-urban communities in Cameroon, most households have devised the innovation to creating either electric pump borehole (in most cases as shown in the picture) or a hand-pomp borehole. This is common in most new quarters of Yaounde (Case study) where new houses are being constructed and the population and depends on these boreholes in increasing at a geometric progression rate.

This gives call for concern for two reasons:

Water quality: Most people create these electronic pump boreholes with water storage tanks placed at high altitude to permit the flow of water by gravity from the storage tank into the water closet systems of the house and in most cases with a tap outside the house which permits them to sell water to other neighbours who consider it the most portable for drinking than the pipe borne water (usually at the rate 25frs/5 lit of container). The quality of this water becomes doubtful when these storage tanks stay for a long period of time without proper treatment and cleaning as is the case in most households where this systems exist. In fact, some have storage tanks belt with bricks and they have never been deemed necessary to be cleaned.

Sustainability of the water source: Most of these boreholes are shallow sited boreholes. Considering the increase in the number of boreholes within the same area, there is a possibility that there might not be modern and enough recharge to match with the discharge from these aquifers to augment water supplies and boost water availability all year round, especially during the draught period. 

Mechanical failure: Poor construction norms and poor maintenance of the tanks increase risks of collapsing of most of these tanks. This places the inhabitants of the locality or quarter in a potential risk due to mechanical failure. The tanks are thus regarded as a hazard in these circumstances.