In Kerawa and Kolofata, in Cameroonʼs Far North Region, access to water has become a daily struggle. Under a scorching sun (43°C in the shade), rivers have disappeared, backwaters have turned to dust or sandbanks, and wells have dried up.
Families have no choice but to travel long distances, often for several hours, to find water that is scarce and not safe to drink.
“I remember last year, we often went to draw water from a backwater. Look at a woman my age, Iʼm 70, sick and tired. I would spend a whole day there, waiting in line, and when I managed to get a container, Iʼd bring the water back home. One part was used for washing up and the other for laundry. We kept the rest in barrels. We donʼt pour out dirty water. We leave it to stand, to allow impurities to settle, and then we take out the small amount that has become clear, which will be used for drinking.”, confides Panta Magne, her eyes weary and her head covered by her hijab.
However, drought is only one part of the ordeal. In this commune of 631 square kilometres, 60 per cent of the population are internally displaced persons. Bordering on Nigeria, Kolofata is affected by insecurity. As a result, fetching water involves major risks.
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