Project Report
| Mar 29, 2015
Water Report March 2015
![Manjanda using a plastic bottle as filter]()
Manjanda using a plastic bottle as filter
Following on from Alan Stitchcombes visit in March 2014 it had been decided to ask a specialist from Abong Mbang to visit and provide estimates of feasibility and costs for improving the two springs and the possibility of digging a well. Sadly the man in question Mr Aberdjine died in July before he could visit the site so when we arrived in January 2015 we were no further forward.
On arrival we found that the first spring {nearest Gbine} had been rendered useless by a rise in water level due to damming of the stream and pollution from the alcohol stills on the bank. However the second spring {Mokolobar’s} was still flowing and being used by both the Baka and the village, despite the mud, leaf litter and frogs that abound.
We contacted Samuel Owoundi, a local entrepreneur, who sent us his sub-contractor, Moise Akombombo who had experience in spring capture. Having given us an estimate of 300,000 cfa and explained his proposed method it was decided to proceed at once, while we were on site to help and supervise.
A meeting with the village elders assured us of their support so we started work the next day. A large tree that had fallen just in front of the spring had to be cut through to improve access. The wood was used to provide shuttering boards for the work and to rebuild the bridge over the marsh.
A new path was cleared and widened to allow easier transport of sand and cement, then the waiting began. First it was delivery of materials that were delayed, then Moise’s father suffered an accident which meant that he needed regular visiting, so work only advanced sporadically. However with the help of the Baka workers and Andi’s hard work it was completed on time.
The water level was successfully raised by about 30cm and by digging an outflow trench a fall of 50cm was attained,and the holding pond filled with boulders and capped with concrete to protect from surface pollution. A small concrete basin was built under the flow pipe to collect the overflow. We were able to have a simple inauguration ceremony the day before we left.
The quality of the water will be greatly improved but not the quantity, although by stoppering or eventually a tap, a reserve of several 100 litres can de accumulated overnight. it is still far from enough for the local demand as the village pump is still not functioning.
![Cutting the fallen tree cleared the path]()
Cutting the fallen tree cleared the path
![Improved access across the marsh]()
Improved access across the marsh
![Moise pouring the second dam]()
Moise pouring the second dam
![Martin and village representat.- 1st drum filled]()
Martin and village representat.- 1st drum filled
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