Libreville continues to struggle with severe water shortage
Gabon's capital Libreville has been suffering a serious water shortage for months, and a government-declared state of emergency has so far failed to resolve it. A distribution plan meant to help has been undermined by private water suppliers.
Gabon's capital, Libreville, has been grappling with a severe water shortage for several months. The crisis has been attributed to low rainfall, ageing infrastructure and rising demand driven by the city's growing population.
State of emergency declared
Earlier this month, the government formally declared a state of emergency over the water crisis and brought in military engineers to assist with the response.
Distribution plan fails to ease the crisis
A water distribution plan was introduced for affected neighbourhoods, but it has not succeeded in easing the situation. Part of the reason is that private water distributors took advantage of the scheme, undermining its intended benefit for residents.
France 24 journalists Indira Ayuk, Ismaël Obiang Nze and Giresse Ngaana reported from Libreville on the situation.
