With two stations completed, another underway, solar power installed and the dam strengthened, the council pushes to secure year round water supply.
Work on the Bamenda III water optimisation project is moving into a decisive phase, with visible progress on pumping stations, energy supply and dam reinforcement.
The first major pumping station has been completed in Ntaghem I Quarter. A second station at the Mile 3 area. These two installations are expected to boost water circulation to several communities, including Ntahkikah, PMI and Ntene Ntene, areas that have long suffered from weak or irregular supply.
Technicians say the Ntaghem I station is ready for integration into the main network, just like that at Mile 3. Once both stations are fully connected, pressure on the existing system will reduce and coverage will expand to underserved neighbourhoods.
Another major challenge has been unstable electricity, marked by frequent outages and low voltage. To address this, a solar panel system has now been installed at the Saint Paul water reservoir.
This will provide constant energy to power the pumps even when public electricity fails. All the pumping stations are powered by solar with options for other power sources.
With the solar system in place, continuous water distribution is expected to improve in areas such as Saint Paul, PMI and Bayelle III, which often go dry during blackouts.
Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe said the work goes beyond pumps and power. According to him, important repairs and reinforcement have also been carried out at the dam to prevent leakages and improve water retention.
“Work has been done on the dam to stop leakages and strengthen it so that we can have water in all seasons, including the dry season,” the Mayor explained.
He added that without securing the dam, all other investments would be at risk.
With a completed pumping station in Ntaghem I, another at Mile 3, solar energy now supporting the Saint Paul reservoir and the dam reinforced, the Bamenda III water project is steadily moving from promise to reality.
If the current pace is maintained, thousands of households across the municipality could soon enjoy more regular, reliable and clean water, easing a daily struggle that has lasted for generations.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
Tel: +237 694 71 85 77
