German engineer arrives to advance Bambui Water Project after Mayor Fongu brokers partnership

A journey that began with a visit by the Fon of Bambui to the Bamenda III Council water project has entered a decisive phase with the arrival of German engineer Melvin in Bambui to continue technical studies for the modernisation of the Bambui Water Authority (BAWA).

The engineer arrived on Tuesday, 15 July 2026, to a warm reception led by a high-powered delegation comprising traditional authorities, officials of the Bambui Water Authority, members of the Bambui Village Council and community representatives, all hopeful that the visit signals the beginning of a new chapter for water supply in the village.

The visit follows months of discussions initiated after the Fon of Bambui, HRH Fon Angafor Momboo-h III, toured the Bamenda III Council water project and openly expressed his desire to replicate the model in Bambui.

During that visit, the Fon described the Bamenda III scheme as a learning centre for modern water technology and appealed for collaboration to improve water supply in Bambui.

Mayor of Bamenda III Council, Fongu Cletus Tanwe, responded by facilitating contacts with the German partners who have supported the Bamenda III water project for more than a decade.

Now, that commitment is beginning to bear fruit.

Prince Tabefor, welcoming engineer 

Speaking during the reception, Prince Tabefor, representing the Fon of Bambui, recalled that the initiative dates back to 2015 when leaders of the Bambui Water Authority first visited the Bamenda III Council water project.

"When we saw the project in Nkwen, we immediately met the Lord Mayor of Bamenda III, who readily accepted to link us with the German partners so that Bambui could also benefit," he said.

According to him, the arrival of the first German engineer is the result of years of determination by the Fon and the Bambui community.

He disclosed that the current mission will enable the engineer to inspect existing infrastructure, evaluate technical needs and collect water samples that will be analysed in Germany before the final project design is completed.

"By this time next year, we should be talking about something completely different," he said confidently.

Originally designed to serve a much smaller population, the Bambui Water Authority now struggles to meet increasing demand following rapid population growth, driven largely by the expansion of the University of Bamenda and other higher institutions.

Thousands of students and new residents have significantly increased pressure on an ageing water system whose production capacity can no longer satisfy demand.

Nelson Fonkwa Mbunua, Manager of the Bambui Water Authority, said the project has reached a stage where local expertise alone cannot deliver the level of expansion now required.

"Our major challenge today is population growth. The demand for water now exceeds our production capacity. The coming of this engineer is the opportunity we have been waiting for to increase our water supply," he explained.

Beyond increasing production, the technical mission will also assess water quality, treatment systems, new catchment opportunities and network expansion.

The engineer is expected to work closely with the Bambui Water Authority's technical team, review existing facilities and recommend modern solutions capable of supporting the community's future needs.

Dr Akoh Valentine shakes hands with the visiting water expert 

According to Dr Akoh Valentine, Chairman of the Bambui Village Council, the engineer's arrival represents hope for thousands of residents.

"I am very moved. Just seeing him here tells me tomorrow has a bright future. Water is life, and improving this project means improving the lives of our people," he said.

He acknowledged that population growth has outpaced the existing infrastructure, resulting in frequent shortages and damaged pipelines, making expansion unavoidable.

Community leaders also see the project as vital to the image of Bambui as one of the leading university communities in Cameroon.

Prince Tabefor stressed that reliable water would improve living conditions for students and residents alike.

"We want every student who comes to the University of Bamenda to return home with a good impression of Bambui," he said.

The German engineer's visit is expected to continue with technical inspections across Bambui before a comprehensive report is submitted to partners in Germany to guide the next phase of implementation.

It was the first visible sign that a long-standing dream inspired by Bamenda III's success could soon become reality in Bambui, offering renewed hope that safe and reliable water may finally keep pace with one of the region's fastest-growing communities.

By Bakah Derick for Hilltopvoices Web 

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