The National Community-Driven Development Programme, PNDP in the Centre Region last Friday November 19, handed over one borehole and 26 hand pump-operated wells constructed with funding from the organization in Nkollossang Polo, Nkol Elouga and Bilik Bindik Nkog communities in Ebebda Council of Lekié Division. The funding worth FCFA 272 million would also help in the rehabilitation of two rural roads and expansion of the council’s electricity network.
According to Ebebda Council officials, the completion of the potable water projects is expected to significantly reduce the incidence of water-borne diseases in the area, with each borehole or well serving about 235 inhabitants. The situation in some beneficiary communities had been so bad that villagers travelled as long as three kilometres to fetch potable water. «We are elated to receive potable water in our community. Some time ago, my daughter was bitten by a snake at midnight when she went looking for water in a swamp. When the project arrived, my husband quickly donated his land for the construction of the hand pump-operated well. Before, we used to trek 2 km to get water; but now, we have it any time we need it, and just by the house!” said Mrs Ngbwa née Ananga Salomene of Longzok I community.»
«I would like to thank the Head of State and PNDP for thinking of us by funding these projects. I am generally satisfied with the quality of work done, » said Awono Irinus, acting Mayor of Ebebda. «I’m happy these water projects have been completed. This is our contribution towards reducing rural poverty,” explained Ngoh Essoh, PNDP Centre Regional Coordinator.
The choice of micro project in each community was jointly arrived at by community members, Council and PNDP officials with community felt needs and potential project impact in mind, explained PNDP’s Centre Regional Infrastructure Officer, Modeste Tiemgni. The newly appointed PNDP Centre Regional Coordinator, Ngoh Essoh was accompanied on the hand-over tour by the Acting Mayor of Ebebda and the Centre Regional Delegate for the Economy, Planning and Regional Development, MINEPAT, Akoa Adolphe.
