Chad is hosting the African Water Forum this week, co-organized with the World Bank Group, under the theme “From Vision to Action.” The event brings together African heads of state, experts, and technical and financial partners to address the continent’s pressing water access challenges.

While global discussions unfold, Chad’s own water crisis remains stark. Official figures show that nearly 40% of the population still lacks access to clean drinking water.

Local voices demand tangible change

For many Chadians, the forum represents more than just a summit—it’s a lifeline. Eliane, a homemaker in N’Djamena, shares her hopes: “As a woman and a Chadian citizen, I’m counting on this forum to bring real change. The water some of us drink is appalling. If this gathering can make a difference, then it’s worth every effort.”

The forum aims to turn political commitments into action, fostering partnerships between governments, donors, and private investors to fast-track water infrastructure projects.

Doubts persist amid past disappointments

Not everyone shares Eliane’s optimism. Richard, a teacher in the capital, voices a common sentiment: “We’ve seen these events before—promises made, but little delivered. I don’t believe this forum will fix Chad’s water crisis. What we need is genuine political will.”

Moussa, a local trader, echoes this skepticism: “The funds spent on organizing this forum could have built thousands of water points. Too often, these summits end with recommendations that gather dust.”

These reactions highlight the gap between ambitious declarations and the harsh realities faced by rural communities, where water scarcity fuels health crises and deepens inequality.

Unequal access across Chad

While the government cites a national water access rate of 63.5%, the reality is far grimmer in regions like Guéra, Wadi Fira, and Sila, where only 10% to 21% of residents have reliable access to safe drinking water.

Many families still rely on contaminated ponds and shallow wells, risking waterborne diseases and malnutrition. The National Human Rights Commission (CNDH) has urged authorities to prioritize water infrastructure, sanitation, and climate-resilient solutions. “Water access is not just a basic need—it’s a cornerstone of peace, social cohesion, food security, and human development,” stresses CNDH President Belngar Larmé Laguerre.

The commission also calls on international partners to bolster support for sustainable, climate-adaptive water solutions.

Governance questions overshadow the forum

Another issue has raised eyebrows: the forum’s organization was assigned to the Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, rather than the Ministry of Water. This unusual decision has fueled concerns about the government’s commitment to addressing the water crisis effectively.

For millions of Chadians, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The question remains: Will this forum deliver more than just talk?