Analysis of water losses in seven small and medium-sized water distribution networks in the south region of Cameroon (Central Africa)

This paper analyzes and evaluates water losses in seven small and medium-sized water supply networks (WSNs) in the south region of Cameroon in order to contribute to improving the most effective approaches to reducing water losses in Sub-Saharan Africa's WSNs. Data were obtained from the regional delegation of the Camwater in the south region of Cameroon and analyzed using a variety of indices, including the failure intensity index, the unit coefficient of water loss per kilometer, the real leakage balance index, the non-revenue water basic, and the infrastructure leakage index. Results indicate that all the WSNs analyzed achieved mixed results compared with national data and very weak results compared with international standards. This is partly due to outdated infrastructure, rapid urbanization and urban population expansion, poor operation and maintenance policies, inadequate technical skills and technology, a lack of financial discipline, and political, cultural, and social influences. The results place the cumulative volume of water losses in the seven networks studied during the 5 years at 7.3 million cubic meters, which costs the water utility about 2.4 billion FCFA (or 4.4 million USD).