The Nkwen community has taken another step towards strengthening its water supply system following a comprehensive feasibility mission by German engineer Marvin, whose visit is expected to shape the next phase of expansion of the Nkwen Water Project.
The technical mission, carried out on Thursday, 17 July 2026, combined demanding field inspections with high-level consultations involving traditional authorities, community water managers and officials of the Bamenda III Council Water Scheme. The visit forms part of a broader collaboration aimed at sharing technical experience gained through the Bamenda III Council Water Project with neighbouring communities seeking to improve access to potable water.
Despite heavy rains that soaked the hills of Ndzah village, Marvin, accompanied by Muma Azehfor III, Second Adviser to the Fon of Nkwen and Coordinator of the Nkwen Water Project, proceeded with inspections of strategic water installations.
The delegation, which included members of the Bamenda III Council water team, assessed catchment areas, water infrastructure and other critical facilities that form the backbone of the community water scheme.
The difficult terrain did little to slow the mission, as the engineer gathered technical information required to determine how the existing system can be upgraded to serve a rapidly growing population.
The assessment focused on identifying opportunities to improve water production, increase storage capacity, modernise distribution and strengthen the long-term sustainability of the project.
The delegation was later received at the Nkwen Palace by the Paramount Fon of Nkwen, His Majesty Fon FS Azehfor III, who welcomed the technical mission and reaffirmed his commitment to improving access to clean drinking water.
The traditional ruler observed that Nkwen, located at the heart of Bamenda, has experienced significant population growth over the years, placing increasing pressure on existing water infrastructure.
He said the expansion of the community water scheme is no longer a matter of choice but of necessity if the needs of residents are to be met in the years ahead.
HRM FS Azehfor III expressed confidence that the ongoing collaboration with German experts would provide the technical guidance required to modernise the project and increase its capacity.
In appreciation of his contribution to the feasibility mission, the Paramount Fon dressed Marvin in traditional Nkwen regalia before conferring on him the title Tantoh Ntung Nkieh, meaning Nkwen Minister Messenger for Water.
Muma Azehfor III described the gesture as recognition of a shared commitment to improving public welfare through sustainable water infrastructure.
Speaking during the palace reception, Mayor Fongu Cletus Tanwe commended the leadership demonstrated by the traditional institution in pursuing solutions to the community's water challenges.
He applauded the sustained commitment shown by His Majesty Fon FS Azehfor III and the Nkwen community towards improving their water scheme, noting that successful development is driven by communities that take ownership of their priorities.
Mayor Fongu Cletus reiterated his readiness to continue accompanying Nkwen in its efforts to realise an expanded and more efficient water project, just as he has facilitated collaboration with neighbouring Bambui.
He told Hilltopvoices that the experience accumulated over the past decade through the Bamenda III Council Water Project should benefit other communities willing to invest in sustainable water solutions, stressing that access to clean drinking water is a humanitarian concern that transcends political boundaries.
According to the Mayor, partnerships between traditional institutions, councils and international organisations remain one of the most effective ways of delivering lasting development.
The feasibility mission builds on the success of the Bamenda III Council Water Project, which has evolved over the past decade through continuous collaboration with German NGO Trinkwasser für Kamerun.
That partnership has transformed the municipal water system through successive phases of optimisation, introducing automated pumping stations, solar-powered infrastructure and expanded storage capacity.
Nkwen leaders believe many of those lessons can now be adapted to strengthen their own community-managed water scheme.
While the current visit marks only the feasibility stage, community leaders say it provides the technical foundation upon which future investments and expansion plans will be built.
According to some of those who accompanied Marvin during the feasibility studies, Thursday's mission represented another decisive step towards a future where a modern, reliable and sustainable water system keeps pace with the growing needs of one of Bamenda's largest and fastest-expanding Fondoms.
By Bakah Derick || Hilltopvoices Web
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