Electricity and water in Cameroon: power cuts, backup power and what to pack

Power cuts in Douala and Yaoundé

The country produces enough electricity on paper, but the grid that carries it is old and overloaded, so cuts happen regularly. They are often called délestages (load shedding) or simply "coupures". Some weeks are calm, others bring cuts almost every day; the Canadian government notes that outages can last more than 8 hours. Not all buildings have a generator. A cut can also stop the water pump, the internet box and the lift.

• When: at any time, often in the evening when demand peaks, and sometimes for planned works announced in the press or on social media.
• Where: every neighbourhood can be affected; some are cut more often than others.
• What stops: lights, air conditioning, fridge, Wi-Fi, electric water heater and, in some buildings, the water pump.

Backup power: what our apartments have

Not every apartment has backup power. Some have a generator, an inverter with batteries, or solar panels; others depend on the grid. Our team checks each apartment, and the listing says whether it has backup power and a water tank. If you work from home, travel with a baby or elderly parents, or need to keep medicines cold, filter the list on backup power before you book, and ask us what it runs (lights and Wi-Fi only, or also the air conditioning).

Water supply interruptions

In both cities, demand for water is higher than supply, and the water company rations it in some neighbourhoods; in Yaoundé the shortfall was officially put at about 50,000 m³ a day. Interruptions also happen after pipe repairs or when a power cut stops the pumps. Many buildings have a tank that keeps water running for a while. Apartments with a water tank say so on their page.

• Do not drink tap water: drink bottled or filtered water, which is sold everywhere.
• When the water runs low, keep a bucket or a few bottles filled for washing.
• Hot water may be electric: during a power cut, it may run out after a few showers.

Plugs and voltage

What to pack

• A power bank (or two), charged every evening. Keep it in your hand luggage on the plane: airlines do not accept them in checked bags.
• A small torch or headlamp: the phone torch drains the battery you need for calls.
• An adapter for type C/E plugs if you come from the UK or North America, and a short multi-socket strip.
• Download maps, documents and your bookings to your phone, in case the internet is cut.

During a power cut: good habits

1. 1
   Keep the fridge closedFood stays cold for a few hours if you do not open the door.
2. 2
   Save your batteryLower the screen brightness and switch to mobile data only when you need it. See SIM card and internet.
3. 3
   Never run a generator indoorsIf the building has one, let the caretaker handle it. Generator fumes can kill in a closed room.
4. 4
   Tell usIf something does not come back when the power returns, message us on WhatsApp.