Local power dynamics of rural water supply in Bambili, Northwest Cameroon

The provision of safe, affordable and reliable drinking water to communities is a basic human right, as access to sufficient potable water is essential for sustaining a healthy life and human dignity. However, despite progress made towards the provision of potable water to all, globally, some two billion people still lack access to safe, readily available potable water in their homes. Many of these people live in rural areas across Africa. This study investigates how local power dynamics impact rural water supply in Bambili, Northwest Cameroon. Data for this study were obtained through empirical evidence (observation, documentation, experiment, etc.) from nine sections out of thirty-nine sections of Bambili, Northwest Cameroon. Results show that discrimination in participation and unequal access to potable water supplies exists in this rural community. Some rural dwellers face exclusion and marginalisation, both economically and culturally, which affects their access to water. Seemingly, neither the local water management authorities nor the Village Traditional Councils (VTC) are able or willing to deal with this injustice. Thus, it is unlikely that collective rural water supply and the Sustainable Development Goal SDG No. 6 can be achieved in the region despite increased investment in the water sector. As a result, the water rights embedded in the SDG Agenda are not realised in this rural community due to the social nature of access to water and the failure of stakeholders to ensure equal access and the right to water supply.