Access to clean water in Lékié, Cameroon: a vital project for health and community development
In Cameroon, access to clean water remains a major issue, with 47% of the population lacking this basic resource. In rural areas, where around 84% live in poverty, access drops to approximately 35%. In response, a project to build three wells with manual pumps was launched in the villages of Manga-Embolo, Yebtan-Centre, and Nkolngock in the Lékié region.
A trusted partner for lasting impact
The project was led by Alternatives Durables pour le Développement (ADD), a local NGO founded in 1996, specializing in sustainable community development in Cameroon.
Main activities and community training
The project included several key steps:
- Geotechnical and hydrogeological studies to determine optimal drilling sites.
- Construction of a 50-metre-deep well in each of the three villages, equipped with manual pumps and safety installations to protect water access.
- Formation of water management committees, made up of community members, to ensure maintenance and long-term sustainability of the wells.
Water committees key to sustainability
These committees play a crucial role in maintaining the wells, as the community is overseeing their upkeep and is equipped to perform repairs if needed. An ADD hydraulic technician, in collaboration with a representative from the drilling company, led training sessions on the use and maintenance of the wells and the health benefits of drinking clean water.
Long-term impact
This project is directly benefitting 1,837 people (305 households) and indirectly supports an additional 1,500 people in neighboring villages. Beyond providing clean water, the project is improving agricultural activities, supporting more secure livelihoods and fostering local economic development.
“We are overjoyed by the news of having a clean water point in our village, as we all know water provides essential nutrients for the body, regulates temperature, prevents drought, and supports agriculture—in short, water is life!”
