In West Africa, water security remains a daily struggle, and in Niger, access to clean drinking water is the final barrier protecting millions of households from disease. But a provisional report from the Court of Accounts on the national water utility, la Nigérienne des Eaux (NDE), covering 2023 and 2024, along with recent public procurement procedures, paints a deeply troubling picture of the state-owned company. The question now is whether the NDE can still fulfill its core mission: delivering safe water to the population.
Bacteriological contamination: when the tap water fails the test
The audit’s bacteriological analyses from several regional centers reveal staggering deviations from World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. While international standards demand zero germs (0 CFU/100 ml), samples showed alarming bacterial presence:
- Doutchi: 50,100 CFU / 100 ml
- Maradi: 30,200 CFU / 100 ml
- Filingué: 17,120 CFU / 100 ml
This deterioration stems largely from the dilapidated state of the 6,957-kilometer distribution network, which suffers 20,000 to 40,000 leaks annually. These pipe ruptures allow wastewater infiltration and pressure drops. Meanwhile, chlorine dosing—a critical disinfection step—fluctuates wildly, from underdosing in Tillabéri and Dosso to overdosing in Niamey.
Recurrent stock shortages of treatment chemicals, particularly calcium hypochlorite, and the use of expired reagents in control laboratories further cripple the utility’s ability to certify the potability of the water it distributes.
Financial hemorrhage: lost water and failed contracts
Financially, non-revenue water losses are estimated at 17.9 million cubic meters per year, translating into a direct shortfall of 5.3 billion CFA francs for state coffers. Beyond these structural losses, key public contracts have been poorly executed:
- The network equipment contract (DAO No. 001/2025): Awarded in late 2025 to Nascom for 950 million CFA francs (including tax), the main lot for connection equipment is significantly delayed. Despite a startup advance of about 250 million CFA francs, the goods remain stuck at the manufacturer in Tunisia, freezing new user connections.
- Treatment product renewal (DAO No. 009/2026): An open tender launched in September 2026 by NDE’s general management for the urgent supply of calcium hypochlorite underscores the pressing need to secure water treatment plants.
Internal governance under fire
The document also highlights weaknesses in internal control and human resource management. Unilateral expense approvals, accelerated promotions that bypass standard seniority grids, and the absence of certified training programs for network technicians undermine the company’s technical expertise chain.
As the parties’ right of reply and the contradictory phase of the Court of Accounts report continue, these revelations stress the urgent need for deep structural reforms within la Nigérienne des Eaux to guarantee the continuity of public service and the health security of the population.
