From a colourful reception to real work on the ground, the Bamenda III water upgrade is already delivering visible results.
For years, residents of Bamenda III have struggled with irregular water supply. Ageing infrastructure, weak energy sources and a fast growing population have left many neighbourhoods facing dry taps and long walks in search of water. This persistent problem pushed the Bamenda III Council to seek long term solutions through strong international partnerships.
On Thursday, 8 January 2026, five water technicians from Germany arrived in Bamenda III to begin another phase of optimisation of the council water scheme. They were given a hero’s welcome by the Mayor of Bamenda III, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, council officials, traditional authorities and residents. At the Mayor’s residence, dance groups from different cultural backgrounds performed as a sign of respect and gratitude, while food and drinks were shared with the visitors.
One of the German technicians, Karli Heinisch, said he always feels at home in Bamenda III. This visit marks his 13th year of coming since the project started.
“Each time I come here, I feel like I am coming back to family. The warmth of the people is what keeps motivating me,” he said, thanking the council and the population for the constant hospitality.
Karli Heinisch talking to media
Just three days after their arrival, Hilltopvoices visited the technicians at work on Sunday, 11 January 2026, and saw major progress. A full relay station had already been installed, and the first major pumping station, fully powered by solar energy, had been completed.
One of the technicians, Gerd Müller, explained how the system works. He showed the solar powered pump, the by pass system and the control cabin that allows the scheme to switch between solar and hydroelectric power.
Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe said the current phase of work is only the beginning. According to him, three pumping stations will be constructed across the municipality, while important optimisation work will also be done at the dam.
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“This optimisation is costing over 200 hundred million francs. Our main objective is to make sure that clean water reaches the homes of our people,” the Mayor said.
He added that water is not a privilege but a basic right, and that the council is determined to invest heavily to solve the problem once and for all.
The Bamenda III water project started in 2012 and was inaugurated in 2015. At the time, the first partners promised a five year follow up. However, the growing needs of the population and the strong commitment of the council, especially under Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe, have kept the partners involved far beyond that period, with new partners joining along the way.
The colourful welcome given to the German experts showed how much hope the people have placed in the project. Dance groups from across the municipality, representing different cultures, took part in the reception, showing that access to water is a shared concern for all.
Community leaders, quarter heads and residents said the water scheme has already made a difference, but that more work is needed as Bamenda III continues to grow.
With the installation of solar powered pumping stations, relay systems and improved control units, the current optimisation is expected to stabilise water flow, reduce breakdowns and cut dependence on unstable electricity.
If the project continues at this pace, thousands of households in Bamenda III can look forward to more regular access to clean water. For families who have spent years carrying buckets over long distances, this upgrade means healthier homes, saved time and a better life for the entire community.
By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Online
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