Cameroon Water Utilities Corporation (CAMWATER) has set a CFAF2.35 billion revenue collection target for its Douala and Yaoundé operations this month as the state-owned water utility steps up efforts to increase internally generated revenue and improve its financial performance.
The Douala regional operation has been instructed to collect at least CFAF1.1 billion, while the Yaoundé Regional Division, DIVRY, is expected to mobilize CFAF1.25 billion. Other regional divisions have been asked to improve their collection performance by at least 15%. CAMWATER disclosed the targets on August 20 following a special communication from Director General Dr. Blaise Moussa to the company’s management chain.
The revenue drive covers water production and distribution, commercialization, meter reading, billing and collections. It also includes measures to increase new connections, curb fraud and illegal connections, and expand the use of electronic payment channels.
According to CAMWATER, the targets are intended to translate recent restructuring, reorganization and operational reforms into measurable commercial and financial results. The company has also expanded parts of its distribution network. Management now wants those investments to generate additional connections, customers, billed consumption and revenue.
Regional managers and heads of sectors, agencies and centers have consequently been instructed to intensify field operations and increase engagement with households, businesses and public administrations. “Get out. Shake up habits. Connect. Control. Bill. Collect. Fight fraud. Perform,” Moussa told managers, according to CAMWATER.
Revenue Mobilization Takes Center Stage
CAMWATER is also tightening controls over revenue already collected. Moussa reiterated instructions requiring all receipts to be transferred automatically, fully and immediately in accordance with existing procedures. CAMWATER said failures to comply would lead to the determination of responsibility and sanctions where warranted.
Management has also instructed its marketing and communications teams to intensify the promotion of electronic payments after a slowdown in their use, according to the company. The reopening of agencies and service centers on Saturdays is also expected to support customer service, new connections and revenue collection.
The measures place commercial revenue at the center of CAMWATER’s response to its financial constraints. The utility is targeting higher billing rates, more comprehensive meter readings, improved collections and faster customer connections while seeking to reduce revenue losses linked to fraud.
According to the August 20 communication, the measures are intended to progressively strengthen CAMWATER’s financial autonomy. The revenue push also comes as management seeks to improve the company’s classification among Cameroon’s public enterprises. CAMWATER is currently classified as a third-category public enterprise and is aiming to move into the second category at the next opportunity.
Mercy Fosoh
