Water access in Chad: hope and doubt collide at the African Water Forum

In N’Djamena, the African Water Forum has kicked off, blending hope with skepticism among Chad’s population. While the event aims to unite African leaders and experts under the theme “From Vision to Action,” many citizens question whether real solutions will emerge for the country’s persistent water shortage.

The forum, co-organized with the World Bank Group, brings together heads of state, technical experts, and financial partners to discuss strategies for improving water access across Africa. Yet, for Chad—a nation where nearly 40% of the people still lack safe drinking water—the stakes couldn’t be higher.

Chadians demand tangible solutions

For many residents in N’Djamena, the forum represents a long-awaited opportunity to address a critical issue. Eliane, a homemaker in the capital, voices the frustration of countless families: “As a Chadian woman, I hope this forum will improve access to clean drinking water. The quality of water that some of us are forced to drink is appalling. If this event can bring about real change, why not give it a chance?”

The forum’s stated goal is to turn political commitments into actionable projects by fostering partnerships between governments, donors, and the private sector. The aim? To accelerate investments in hydraulic infrastructure and bring sustainable water solutions to underserved communities.

Skepticism lingers over empty promises

Not everyone shares Eliane’s optimism. Richard, a teacher in N’Djamena, reflects a widespread sentiment: “We’ve seen these kinds of events before, but nothing ever changes. I don’t believe this forum will solve Chad’s water crisis. What we need first is real political will.”

Moussa, a local trader, echoes this skepticism: “The millions spent organizing this forum could have been used to drill thousands of boreholes. All too often, these gatherings end with recommendations that never see the light of day.”

These voices highlight the gap between lofty declarations and the harsh realities faced by rural populations, where water scarcity remains a daily struggle.

Stark disparities across Chad

While officials cite a national average of 63.5% access to potable water, the reality is far grimmer in many regions. In provinces like Guéra, Wadi Fira, and Sila, only 10% to 21% of residents have access to clean water sources.

Many communities still rely on contaminated rivers, ponds, or makeshift wells, exposing them to waterborne diseases and malnutrition. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has urged authorities to prioritize water infrastructure, sanitation, and climate-resilient resource management.

Belngar Larmé Laguerre, CNDH’s president, emphasizes the urgency: “Access to water is a cornerstone of peace, social cohesion, food security, and human development. Without it, no progress is possible.”

Questions over forum organization

The forum’s organization, led by the Ministry of Finance rather than the Ministry of Water, has raised eyebrows. Critics argue this reflects deeper governance challenges in Chad’s water policies. With millions still waiting for reliable access to clean water, the timing of such a forum couldn’t be more critical.