(Business in Cameroon) – Minister of Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, has provisionally halted the production and sale of bottled table water under the Aura Cameroun brand. The decision, formalized on May 6, 2025, follows the discovery of water deemed unsafe for consumption having been released onto the market.
The National Consumer Network of Cameroon (RNC) has welcomed this “preventive” measure, aligning it with international standards, and is advocating for a broader investigation into all brands of table water in Cameroon to preempt any accusations of bias. The RNC is also urging the Ministries of Commerce, Public Health, and Mines, Industry, and Technological Development to take swift action to better safeguard consumers.
According to the RNC, a significant portion of products marketed as “natural mineral waters” in Cameroon are derived from ultrafiltration or reverse osmosis processes. The organization is raising concerns about potential health risks associated with these waters, which are prevalent in the Cameroonian market.
The Contamination’s Origin
While the suspension was enacted in May, the issue traces back to March. It began with an alert issued on March 17, 2025, by Philippe Camille Akoa, Director General of the Special Fund for Intermunicipal Equipment and Intervention (Feicom). Tests conducted on water consumed at the institution’s headquarters in Yaoundé revealed the presence of fecal matter.
According to the Feicom Director General, the water dispensers supplied by Aura Cameroun, installed on the premises to provide staff with “working conditions conducive to productivity and professional fulfillment,” were the source of this contamination.
Following these alarming results from a laboratory analysis conducted by the Pasteur Center, water distribution within the Feicom premises was immediately suspended, and all Aura Cameroun bottles were removed. Feicom also demanded that Aura Cameroun conduct further tests and implement corrective measures in accordance with regulations governing drinking water quality in Cameroon.
Aura Contests Findings
In a letter dated March 19, 2025, Aura Cameroun disputed the findings of the Pasteur Center. The company, which specializes in water treatment for human, industrial, and hospital consumption, expressed being “deeply concerned” by the nature of the contamination.
“Although we are aware that zero risk does not exist, such contamination is extremely rare and serious,” the company wrote, asserting that it has consistently provided documentation certifying the quality of its water.
Aura Cameroun requested details regarding the sampling and testing methodology, deeming this information “essential to understand the source of the contamination and, if necessary, take corrective measures.” The company also expressed regret at not being invited to a prior meeting before Feicom’s notice was published, viewing it as damaging to its reputation.
Thierry Christophe Yamb
