Tiko Subdivision: Over one billion FCFA German-funded, FEICOM-implemented water project inaugurated.

Minister Elanga Obam made the appraisal Tuesday. He was speaking while inaugurating the project realised with over one billion FCFA funding from the German government. The event took place in Muntengene.

The project was implemented through FEICOM. The minister showered praises on the state institution for effectively implementing the project to improve the living conditions of beneficiary population.

Elanga Obam lauded  the German government for always being a friend of Cameroon. He said by providing funds for the water project, Germany was showing its appreciation of the values of peace, security, harmonious living together and international solidarity which Cameroon stands for. 

Paradox of untapped water resources 

Elanga Obam told the German Ambassador, Dr Corinna Fricke, that Cameroon is endowed with abundant water resources but paradoxically many citizens still don't have water to drink. 

He therefore pleaded with the ambassador to cause her government to take interest in the water resources to help more Cameroonians have access to the press liquid. This, Elanga Obam averred, will also improve their hygiene.

Germany investing to enhance decentralisation

The German diplomat on her part stated that water is an essential element of development within communities. Dr Corinna Fricke said Tiko is lucky to have been chosen to benefit from the German largesse. 

The ambassador said the absence of water provides a breeding ground for disease, ill health and economic backwardness.  

She stressed that the decision of Germany to fund the project represents a commitment to enhance decentralisation, peace and national stability. “Decentralisation is the pillar of our cooperation,” the diplomat stated.

Ambassador Dr Corinna Fricke said her presence in Tiko was to ascertain that the financial package from Germany was put to good use.

FEICOM DG situates project

Speaking at the event, the  Director General of FEICOM, Philippe Camille Akoa, said the water project was realised within the context of the FEICOM-Medium Cities Decentralisation Programme powered by the German government. 

Camille Akoa said the project has opened a new lease of life for rural councils in Cameroon.

He said it is under the programme that Tiko was able to benefit from the water project. 

"As a fruit of cooperation between Germany and Cameroon, the FEICOM -Medium Cities DEcentralisation Programme, PDFVM, is an initiative funded by the Federal Republic of Germany through the German Development Bank, kfw,” the FEICOM boss noted.

For Camille Akoa, the “main beneficiary is the republic of Cameroon and its promoter is FEICOM". He said the project to the population of Tiko Subdivision was executed at the cost of 1,071,534,880 FCFA. 

Apart from Tiko, surrounding localities such as Mutengene, Likomba, Dibanda, Ekande and Lower Bokova will also drink water from the inaugurated project. 

Through the projects, beneficiary communities, officials said, now boast of 42 taps to serve an estimated population of 80,000.

Project dream come true

The Mayor of the Tiko Council, Chief Peter Mesoso III, said the project is a dream come true for his municipality. 

The availability of water he noted, will relieve the strain women and children face in trekking long distances to get potable water. 

"There were times when we had to make do without water for three days", the mayor recalled.

Minister raised to notable 

On the sidelines of the event, Minister Elanga Obam was elevated to a notable of the South West Region. The decoration was done by traditional rulers council of Tiko.

This story was first published in The Guardian Post issue No3132 of Wednesday June 05, 2024