Critical Challenges, Implications and Sustainable Options of Potable Water Management in Mutengene, South West Region, Cameroon

Abstract

Sustainable management of potable water has been an outstanding problem faced by the world and a greater challenge of it is seen in Africa. The rapid growing population in Cameroon has led to a critical challenge of potable water management in Mutengene, south west region of Cameroon. This study examines the critical challenges and implications of potable water management and supply in Mutengene. A combination of research methods like the literature reviews; interviews and reconnaissance field appraisal have been used in this study. A community based cross-sectional survey was conducted from December 2021 to February 2022 using quantitative and qualitative approaches. The assessment of water supply challenges was done with a semi quantitative approach. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) questionnaires were administered while qualitative data was collected through Focus Group Discussions and in-depth interviews. The results obtained from the questionnaires administered indicated that 60% of the water supply challenges were as a result of frequent water shortages in Mutengene town. Meanwhile 40% of the respondents stated that longer distances is being undertaken every day to fetch for potable water. In order to overcome these challenges, the government and the local community of Mutengene urgently need to set up a budget together with a stronger team to manage and supply potable water to the town of Mutengene.