The Senior Divisional Officer, SDO of Kupe Muanenguba, Mungambo Ekema William has clashed with the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher over water crisis in Bangem.
This took place during the Second Ordinary Session dedicated for the examining and adoption of the Bangem Council Administrative, Management, and Stores Accounts for the 2024 fiscal year, held on May 9, 2025 at the Bangem Council Chambers.
In his remarks, Mungambo disclosed that councilors are supposed to fast-track development in all forms. He said they should constantly evaluate themselves to see if the condition of the population has improved. He said if this is negative, then, they have not attained their objectives.
According to the SDO, if councilors cannot question the mayor’s activities for transparency and accountability, then sessions are a waste of time.
He lamented that water is the most basic necessity because without water, there’s no life.
“The government is not happy with the competences you have and people don’t feel your impact. Be compassionate. See how your people are suffering because of water in Bangem.” He added and accused councilors of being hand clappers to the mayor.
Mungambo told the Mayor that since he doesn’t live in Bangem, he does not understand the pains of the people. “Mr. Mayor, what is more urgent than water? They have accused your plumbers severally, yet you don’t act. Do you want us to die? You are so political in your reactions.” The SDO fumed.
He said in 2023, CAMWATER wrote to him, demanding to take over Bangem water supply. He said if water crisis persists in Bangem, he will have no other option than to bring in CAMWATER.
The SDO was also furious that the road to the entrance of Bangem is badly damaged yet the council has done nothing about it.
Councilors Lament
Councilor Eddy Mukete Jimmy Ikome disclosed that before water was given to Bangem Council for control, water was flowing in town uninterruptedly. He said since the council took over, there’s acute shortage of water. He said Mbuh has gone for several months without water.
Also, Councilor Epie Denis said they got information that the new catchment for the ongoing Bangem water rehabilitation project by FEICOM is worse than the former faulty one. He proposed that a committee be set up to investigate the ongoing FCFA 365 million water project.
Epie lamented that the new strategy of water rationing is unhealthy as plumbers are making huge financial gains from this strategy.
The First Deputy Mayor, Epienongene Manga revealed that he visited the catchment recently and discovered that the newly constructed catchment is smaller to supply the entire Bangem, compared to the catchment of Muabi village which has a lower population.
According to Councilor Anna Akang, Bangem water is for sale. She said once someone has an occasion, he pays plumbers to have water and after the occasion, water stops flowing.
“Our children are suffering with jugs on their heads daily struggling to fetch water. Mr. Mayor, give us water. I don’t want to go further.” She added.
Councilor Ekane Mesumbe Maths was bitter that gardeners connive with plumbers and deviate pipes to their farms while the population suffers. He called on the mayor to suspend all the council plumbers.
Councilor Mesape Sampson regretted that it is unheard that the population of Mbuh have been without water for long, yet gardeners in Ekambeng and Mbat villages consistently have water in their gardens freely. He said the Mayor should set and investigation team to track these gardeners and serious sanctions be meted on culprits.
Councilor Nkumbe Kingsly Ngoh added that there’s a lot of negligence in the Bangem water project. He said something should be done.
Councilor Mwene Agnes Senge cried that her Hausa Quarters neighbourhood has gone for eight months without water. “Something should be done. I don’t want to take it personal.
Enter Mayor
Responding to the worries, Mayor Ekungwe said he also feels the pinch of water scarcity. He said the main plumber of the council will soon be retired, and dismissing the lone plumber will be more dangerous.
The Mayor added that they have sanctioned their plumbers severally, but he cannot dismiss them unless without a council deliberation.
According to Ekungwe, the current water project slowed a bit because they had to carry out detailed technical studies before channeling pipes. He said the situation of water in Bangem will greatly improve once the project will be completed.
He told the SDO that the road between Bangem and Melong is under a contract, and the council cannot intervene.
“The SDO has all it takes to cause this contracting firm to work on this road. I think the SDO is going too political as well.” Ekungwe disclosed.
Water Committee
At the end of the deliberation, a water committee was formed headed by the Mayor, representative of the DO’s office, some, councilors, the Gendarmerie Brigade Commander, Bangem, the Commissioner, Special Branch, and plumbers.
After the reading and adoption of committee reports, the Potent Chairman, Councilor Atabe Peter Nkwelle led the councilors to adopt the Administrative, Management, and Stores Accounts for the 2024 fiscal year.
By Ahone Jessy
