Far North Region: UNHCR, CAMWATER partner to boost water access to refugees, host communities.

The deal was signed during a ceremony in Yaounde Tuesday June 30. UNHCR Representative in Cameroon, Yvette Muhimpundu, signed for the humanitarian organisation while and Director General of CAMWATER, Dr Blaise Moussa, signed for the Company.

Officials said the deal will benefit refugees living in the Minawao camp and residents of neighbouring communities, including Gadala, Gawar, Ziver, Mouhour, Zamay and Gourenguel.

UNHCR noted that for years, the Minawao camp, home to thousands of refugees, mostly from neighbouring Nigeria, has struggled with water shortages. 

The rapid growth in population, combined with climate-related pressures and the limitations of existing water infrastructure, UNHCR said, has placed immense strain on already scarce resources.

It revealed that currently, refugees in the camp access an average of 17 litres of water per person per day. The figure, the UNHCR said, is below international humanitarian standards.

UNHCR Cameroon boss described the agreement as a strategic response to both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term development challenges.

“This agreement renews and reinforces a strategic collaboration in support of a fundamental objective; ensuring sustainable, equitable and safe access to drinking water…,” she said.

Muhimpundu insisted that the initiative aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 6, which seeks to guarantee access to water and sanitation for all.

She said the partnership reflects UNHCR’s broader vision for 2027-2031, which prioritises inclusive and sustainable solutions for displaced populations.

“In a context where access to water remains fragile in the Far North because of demographic pressure, climate shocks, and the hosting of displaced populations,” she said the partnership is urgent.

She also praised the solidarity of host communities amid limited resources. Muhimpundu outlined an ambitious roadmap to improve water production, storage, and distribution infrastructure in the Minawao camp and surrounding villages.

Increasing water production capacity, expanding the distribution network, installing a bulk water meter the official stated, is part of what the deal with CAMWATER seeks to achieve.

She said feasibility studies will also be conducted to assess the possibility of introducing household water metering and constructing a dam in Mouhour to strengthen long-term supply.

Muhimpundu underscored the need for “durable solutions” to “… build on existing capacities, strengthen local institutions, and create resilient systems”.

More than just a natural resource

CAMWATER Director General, Dr Blaise Moussa, said the deal has a huge human significance. 

“Water is a source of life, a factor in public health, an instrument of human dignity, a vector for social cohesion, and an indispensable foundation for sustainable development,” he said.

Dr Moussa acknowledged noted that the existing infrastructure, particularly the water transmission line from Mokolo to Minawao, has become insufficient to meet rising demand.

He said once completed, the upgraded infrastructure is expected to increase supply capacity to over 600 cubic meters per day.

He underscored the inclusive nature of the project, declaring that: “This integrated approach contributes to strengthening cohesion between host communities and refugee populations…,” he noted.

Understanding the agreement 

Under the new agreement, CAMWATER will provide technical expertise, support administrative procedures, and contribute financially and in-kind to the implementation of the project.

The Corporation it was said, will also make available key technical studies, data and assist in the selection of contractors, and participate in project supervision and bid evaluations.

UNHCR, for its part, will mobilise resources depending on funding availability, finance studies and construction works either partially or fully. It will also continue advocacy with donors to secure additional financial support.

To ensure accountability and effective implementation, the agreement provides for the creation of a steering committee and a field operational team to oversee project execution and monitoring. 

The partnership, officials stated, will remain in force for two years, renewable upon mutual written consent.

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3835 of Thursday July 02, 2026