Tayong Andrew Mbakwa, Director of Boka Engineering Company, the Control Mission for the Bangem Water Supply Rehabilitation and Extension Project has assessed the progress of the ongoing field work.
Boka Engineering was joined by representatives of the contractors, workers and the Mayor of Bangem Council, Ekungwe Kang Christopher to the field visit, December 17, 2024.
The Control Mission took the team to the catchment at the Muanenguba Twin Lakes, the source of the water supply, the various tanks and the pipeline from the source to Bangem.
Speaking to The Ultimate at the end of the visit, Tayong disclosed that being their third visit to the field, they examined the progress of the work and made commendations to the contractors to enhance the quality and speed of the project.
He said the project kicked off shortly after the launching by FEICOM in July 2024. He disclosed that they started with the intellectual phase of the project, evaluating errors of the first water project and adopting corrective measures for the ongoing rehabilitation project.
The Boka Engineering boss further disclosed that from their observation in the field, work has begun successfully by contractors, with excavation. He said even the construction of public toilets at the Bangem market is equally going on successfully.
However, Tayong stated that in the course of the rehabilitation process, there will be some interruptions of water flow. He said some road passages will be blocked because of excavation by the contractors.
He added that there’s the likelihood that excavation of the pipeline may pass through some farms, though they will try to minimize the damages as much as possible.
As a recommendation, the Control Mission suggested that contractors should accelerate work on the project and manage work on the site so that it should not inconvenient the public for long.
He also recommended that work done should be of great quality so that it can last for generations.
“We strongly need the collaboration of the population to assist, support and protect workers in the field”. Tayong pleaded.
Meanwhile Mayor Ekungwe clarified that rehabilitation work on the new pipe line will serve the entire Bangem town and it will not disrupt the old water line in any way.
He said the old water line will continue serving the population of Mbat, Ekambeng, Newbell, Mbuku and Muakwe.
The Mayor also pleaded for cooperation because while the rehabilitation work is ongoing, a pipe may burst along the line which will cause some irregularity in water flow within the town.
Responsibility in Consumption
However, Ekungwe lamented that some people allow burst pipes in their houses or quarters for days without reporting to the council for repairs. He said others even fail to control taps in their houses, while some gardeners burst pipes and allow it in their tomato farms to water their crops. He said these behaviors have an adverse effect on water flow as some quarters may go without water.
While promising that every house will soon enjoy abundant and regular water flow, he cautioned the population to consume water responsibly by reporting burst pipes for immediate repairs.
Introduction of Meters
The Mayor further revealed that the council is in the process of introducing meters to help people control their consumption of water. He said the council will find out what a family can consume averagely per month and any consumption above this amount will be paid to the council from the meter reading. “This will help people control their consumption rate and every home will have uninterrupted water flow”. Ekungwe disclosed.
“Water has been the main priority to us. We are on course to get it solved before our mandate ends”. He added.
It should be noted that the current rehabilitation project is funded by the Special Council Support Fund for Mutual Assistance, FEICOM at FCFA 365 million.
By Ahone Jessy
