In-Depth Analysis of Water Management Challenges in Selected Cities 105
Douala, Cameroon: Addressing Sanitation, Flooding, and Waste Management Table 4.4 Key Characteristics and Location of Douala, Cameroon Population (2005)
2,211,350
Estimated daytime population
—
Projected annual population growth
2.81%a
Economic activity
Industrial, commercial
Water consumption per person served (2009)
37 liters per capita per dayb
Utility water coverage
40–60%
Sources: Biedler, 2012; a. UNDESA, 2012; b. IBNET, 2009. Note: — = not available.
Current water management challenges in Douala are substantial.6 Pressures on the city’s water resources and services are on the rise as the city continues to grow at a rapid rate. This has resulted in a lack of safe drinking-water sources, increased pollution of water sources, local flooding caused by inadequate drainage, and associated health risks. In addition, institutional and governance challenges affect the way water is managed in Douala. The poorest residents of Douala live in low-lying areas that are subject to flooding and contamination of shallow wells. These areas lie close to sea level and are near the coast. The areas are susceptible to increased runoff due to increased construction creating more impermeable areas, reduced rainwater infiltration at higher elevations, and improved drainage at higher elevations in the city. This has resulted in higher discharge peaks in the creeks and rivers draining to the sea and consequent flooding events—even with relatively low levels of precipitation. Flooding is further exacerbated by high tide events, which effectively reduce stormwater evacuation in the low-lying areas. The main sources of water for Douala residents who are not connected to the city water supply network (which include the majority of the poorest inhabitants) are springs, shallow wells, and boreholes. Aside from structural damage, frequent flooding reduces water quality in shallow wells as contaminants are mobilized during flood events and are transported into water supplies. Sources of contaminants include overflowing latrines and solid, commercial, and industrial waste.