CAMWATER boss, staff delegates reinforce social dialogue, plan for 2026.

It brought together representatives of workers from the drinking water and energy sector following elections for staff delegates which was organised across the national territory on January 13, 2026. 

The elections produced new titular and substitute delegates who will serve a two-year mandate from 2026 to 2028. The meeting, it should be said, was the second major concertation between CAMWATER management and social partners within six months. 

The company officials said the initiative is part of a managerial approach designed to maintain a constructive and participatory social dialogue within the organisation.

Dr Blaise Moussa expressed satisfaction with the renewed spirit of cooperation that has emerged within the company since his arrival. 

He noted that the involvement of staff representatives is essential to ensuring a productive working environment and achieving the company’s operational objectives.

Staff delegates and union leaders also welcomed the organisation of the January elections, which they described as transparent and participatory. 

The process, they said, was marked by strong staff mobilisation nationwide, voting arrangements that allowed headquarters personnel to vote in various agencies, and public vote counting, reinforcing confidence in the system.

The representatives during the meeting insisted on the fact that staff delegates play a crucial role within the enterprise, acting as intermediaries between employees and management. 

Their responsibility, they noted, is to channel workers’ aspirations and concerns while helping maintain a constructive and balanced dialogue with management.

Participants used the opportunity to review the challenges facing the company and discuss the legitimate expectations of employees across the country.

During the meeting, CAMWATER management also made several structural announcements and social commitments aimed at strengthening staff motivation and improving working conditions.

For Dr Blaise Moussa, the year 2026 will represent a decisive turning point for the state-owned water utility. 

“2026 will be a pivotal year,” he declared, adding that it would mark the launch of major structural projects intended to modernise drinking water supply systems and improve the company’s operational performance.

Among the priority projects presented was the implementation of the Cameroon Water Security Project, SEWASH Project. 

The initiative forms part of a global programme estimated at around 800 million US dollars and aims to improve water security and expand access to drinking water and sanitation services in selected areas of the country. 

The official noted that government has already requested financing of about 200 million US dollars from the World Bank to support the first phase of the programme. 

The project seeks to strengthen water resource management and expand access to safe water services while contributing to improved public health and living conditions. 

In addition to the SEWASH project, Dr Blaise Moussa highlighted other priority initiatives, including the acceleration of the drinking water distribution network reconfiguration in Douala. 

The project is expected to optimise water supply in the country’s economic capital, where demand continues to grow.

CAMWATER, he added, also plans to accelerate its digital transformation with the acquisition and installation of approximately 40,000 smart water meters. 

The new devices are expected to enhance the monitoring of consumption, reduce losses, and improve the efficiency of service delivery.

According to Dr Blaise Moussa, the success of the ambitious projects will depend largely on the commitment and professionalism of the company’s workforce.

He stressed that such commitment can only be guaranteed when employees work under favourable conditions. 

This, he said, explains the importance of maintaining a stable social climate and a permanent dialogue between management and staff representatives.

Dr Blaise Moussa announced several measures aimed at improving staff welfare and addressing longstanding concerns.

The measures include the operationalisation of the Internal Commission for Advancement and Reclassification, CIAR, whose meetings are expected to begin in March 2026. 

The commission will help improve career management and ensure better professional advancement opportunities for workers.

The management also announced the settlement of Career End Indemnities, IFC for retirees, recognising the contributions of former employees who have served the company over the years.

Furthermore, the effective payment of mission allowances for staff deployed on field assignments was confirmed, enabling operational teams to carry out their duties under better working conditions.

According to the Dr Blaise Moussa, CAMWATER intends to combine human-centered management with high performance standards.

“We are entering a phase of realization. 2026 will not only be the year of infrastructure but also the year of a renewed contract of trust with our human capital,” he stated. 

At the end of the meeting, union leaders commended the openness displayed by management and welcomed the clarity of the commitments made.

They expressed hope that the renewed collaboration between workers and management would help the company overcome technical and commercial challenges while improving access to drinking water services for populations across the country.

The article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3728 of Wednesday March 11, 2026