The Cameroon Water Utilities (Camwater) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) have formalized a landmark partnership to ensure sustainable access to clean water in the Minawao refugee camp and surrounding host communities. The agreement, signed in Yaoundé on June 30, 2026, marks a significant step toward addressing the critical water needs of displaced populations in Cameroon’s Far North region.

This collaboration brings together the technical expertise of Camwater with the humanitarian mandate of the UNHCR. The partnership aims to upgrade and expand water infrastructure, ensuring reliable supply for both refugees and local residents who share the same resources. The initiative is part of the broader “Alternative Solutions for Minawao Camp” project, supported by the European Union, German Cooperation (GIZ), and the UNHCR.

The agreement was signed by Dr. Blaise Moussa, Camwater’s Managing Director, and Ms. Yvette Muhimpundu, UNHCR Representative in Cameroon. Under the terms of the convention, Camwater will lead the design, construction, and monitoring of water supply systems, while the UNHCR will continue its protection and resilience-building programs in coordination with Cameroonian authorities.

With this partnership, both institutions seek to improve living conditions for refugees and host communities alike, while addressing the growing challenges of population pressure and sustainable water resource management in the region.

The Minawao camp, home to thousands of refugees, has long faced water supply constraints due to limited infrastructure and increasing demand. This new initiative is expected to enhance hygiene and sanitation standards, reduce waterborne diseases, and promote social cohesion between refugees and host communities.