In-Depth Analysis of Water Management Challenges in Selected Cities 107
does not exist to guide the policy decisions with regard to water management. However, work has begun on a national integrated water resources management (IWRM) action plan. A national approach to IWRM was initiated in 2005 when the government committed to developing a National IWRM Action Plan. Work began on the national approach under the Partnership for Africa’s Water Development program with the assistance of Global Water Partnership and the Cameroon Water Partnership. A comprehensive analysis of the water sector was undertaken, and four baseline reports were published in 2009. However, the national IWRM process is currently on hold due to lack of funds. The sector is characterized by top-down decision making due to a lack of intermediate government institutional structures, and there is a lack of horizontal input from water sector stakeholders such as the private sector, civil society organizations, and beneficiaries/consumers. Decentralization of water management has begun, but issues remain. The government of Cameroon introduced decentralization in a 1996 amendment to its constitution. However it was not until mid-2004 that the secondary legislation was adopted by the National Assembly. Decentralization of water management started with the transfer of responsibilities for construction and management of boreholes and wells to the municipal authorities. Local governments are also responsible for drainage, although budgets often do not reach the local level. The state retains control of the urban water supply network systems. Presently, the state-owned asset-holder Camwater is responsible for infrastructure, with a private operator (Camerounaise des Eaux) responsible for urban water supply services under an affermage contract. The roles and responsibilities of the citywide municipality (communauté de Douala) and the district municipalities (mairies d’arrondissement) are not clearly defined. There may be a need for an IUWM approach in Douala. As described previously, the city is experiencing rapid population growth, and there are many challenges in ensuring a safe water supply and increasing access to sanitation. The citywide municipal government (Communauté Urbaine de Douala) should take the lead in this, liaising with the central authorities and the municipalities at the arrondissement level. Some recommendations for a strategy to adopt an integrated approach are as follows: • Strengthen local capacity at the city/arrondissement level so that local authorities can participate more fully in project design and manage-