Universities, Camwater enter research deal

Cognizant of the recurrent shortfall in potable water supply in the country, the Universities of Ngaoundere, Yaounde I and Douala, on Tuesday, October 13, 2015, in Yaounde, signed a framework agreement with the Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation, Camwater.

The signing, overseen by the Ministers of Higher Education, Prof. Jacques Fame Ndongo and Basile Atangana Kouna of Water and Energy, provides for sharing of knowledge and research on water treatment. Other aspects are the professionalisation of university training in water issues and the employment of university graduates by Camwater.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Fame Ndongo noted that university officials must move out of their isolated ivory towers by addressing the felt needs of the public.

“Second generation universities must gradually professionalise their courses to make them more attractive and competitive,” the Minister of Higher Education pointed out, warning that “Those who don’t have water are doomed to die.”

According to the General Manager of Camwater, Jean Williams Sollo, the challenges to meeting growing potable water demand are climate change, rising urban population, disparities among water supply stakeholders and general ignorance about water issues. He disclosed that in the face of such challenges, Camwater has put in place a strategy to improve public understanding of water management issues.