Questions arise over water and electricity rates

For some time now, there has been large variances between the rates from one month and subsequent ones, despite the somewhat regular consumption. Lee D., head of the family, revealed that he gets a bill of 3,000 F for one month and in the next month, the bill rises to 27,000F.

This official further also says, "our water consumption is rather irregular. I do not see what can justify such gap between two bills. Laurentin D. thinks that, "When a 3,000 F bill arrives, I am preparing psychologically for the next month, because I know they will compensate for the next Bill."

Félix Zogo Manga, regional Director of Cameroonian waters (COE) Yaoundé agglomeration argues, 'there's no billing at the head of the client. The price of m3 is 364F and it is in function of indexes displayed on various meters that the billing is established.

With regard to electricity, pricing is applied to the subscription, connection and the monthly consumption in kWh. A survey conducted by the Agency's regulation of the electricity sector (Arsel) to Aes Sonel subscribers in 2012 shows that 71% of subscribers wish to monitor and control their electric energy consumption.

"They certainly reflect a desire for change and calls the controller to become more involved in the search for more transparent and reliable counting processes", continues the document.

It is also from this survey that the monthly average consumption of the city of Yaounde subscribers amounted to 23,178 F. Not to mention that these record 6.8 cuts a week, virtually every day.