The Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance, FEICOM, has launched a new water project for Bangem town worth three hundred and sixty five million, five hundred and fifteen thousand (365.515.000) FCFA.
The launching of rehabilitation and extension work of gravitational water project, Contract No. 001/C/Bangem Council/FEICOM/BCITB/KMD/SWR for 2024, took place at the Bangem Council hall, July 12, 2024.
In his opening remarks, the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher thanked all stakeholders who worked relentlessly for the dream of a new water project for Bangem town to be fulfilled.
He said God has given Bangem everything, the savanna, the twin lakes with abundant water where the water catchment was planted. However, he regretted that it is strange to understand that Bangem still has water problems.
The Mayor said when he took over office and inherited the Bangem water problem, one of the major preoccupations of their mandate was to bring a lasting solution to the problem. He thanked FEICOM for accepting to sponsor the new water project that will ensure regular flow of water to every home in Bangem.
Ekungwe specified that the project also has the construction of public toilets in Bangem. He said they are considering the grandstand or any suitable site for the public toilets.
In her launching speech, the South West Regional Branch Manager, FEICOM, Tanyi-Mbianyor épse Nkwetta Margaret, on behalf of her General Manager, appreciated the Mayor for his fierceness with FEICOM towards the new Bangem water project.
She said immediately the Mayor took over office, he has given them sleepless nights for the financing of a new Bangem water project.
Nkwetta said the contract has been awarded to two contractors, one incharge of the execution of the water supply project, and another company for supervision and control.
She specified that there shall be no compensation in the course of work by the contractor. She appealed for utmost collaboration between the local population and the contractors for the work to be successful.
Employment Opportunities
The FEICOM Regional Boss announced that the work has been programmed for seven months and the contractors shall need unskilled labour from the population. “Lets put our hands together for this work to be delivered in seven months.
She assured that the state is highly interested for the success of the project. “FEICOM engineers will be on the field for routine unannounced checks, state engineers like the Divisional Delegate of Water and Energy, MINEE and the Divisional Delegate of Public Contracts, MINMAP, shall all be involved in the control for efficiency and quality delivery”. She added.
Contractors
Also speaking at the event, Munki Teye Albert of CT SHEDEX in charge of execution of the water supply project disclosed that they former water catchment for Bangem town was built in 1975 by SATA.
He said over the years, the population of Bangem has increase and more houses constructed, which is one of the major causes of water shortage in Bangem.
Munki intimated that they will build a catchment to store plenty of water and pipe it down to the population. He said they will also have collection chambers to the main town.
He said they will construct suspended tanks to boost the pressure of water.
The contractor specified that once water gets to Bangem town, distribution to houses will be done by the council.
Chief Nnane Nnoko Emmanuel, Paramount Ruler of Bangem congratulated the Mayor for the new Bangem water project at last. He said the population of Bangem has suffered a lot as a result of water shortage.
“Many mistakes were made by contractors in the past that affected the water supply in the town. Put your expertise into practice and don’t fail us.” He cautioned.
In his closing remarks, the Divisional Officer of Bangem Sub Division, Dairou Saly appreciated the Mayor for bringing a solution to the Bangem water scarcity. He called on chiefs to enlighten their people to support the smooth execution of the project.
By Olive Ejang
