Libreville, Gabon — July 2, 2026 – The Derrière la Prison neighborhood in Gabon’s capital, Libreville, has been addressing a series of water meter thefts, according to the Gabonese Press Agency (AGP).
In the wake of these incidents, over a dozen homes have been affected, leading to significant inconvenience and financial strain for the residents.
The thefts are occurring amidst a declared state of emergency in Gabon, with the government taking direct control of water distribution in Grand Libreville. Despite these measures, the situation has not been without its challenges, as small-scale crimes, including the theft of water meters, continue to occur at night. Local residents have reported that the thieves are believed to have been active around 04:00 am, causing distress and concern.
One resident, Marc, noted the timing of the thefts, which coincided with a national disappointment over a football match defeat, suggesting a possible increase in criminal activity during periods of national distress.
In addition to the thefts, some water meters have been sabotaged, as indicated by Sandrine, another resident of the neighborhood. “Chez moi, ils n’ont pas volé mon compteur; il a été désossé, puis laissé devant ma porte. Je me demande pourquoi? “.
she asked, expressing confusion over the motive behind the sabotage.
The broader water crisis in Gabon has been further complicated by these events, with the government taking steps to address the issue, including fixing the price of water containers at 3,000 FCFA and setting up a hotline for water-related inquiries.
As the government continues to grapple with the water crisis, the thefts of water meters in Libreville’s Derrière la Prison neighborhood serve as a stark reminder of the challenges ahead.
The need for comprehensive solutions to both the immediate and long — term water supply issues in Gabon is underscored by these events.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: Agpgabon
Source: Redaction
