Centre Region: Korea Embassy-funded 120 million FCFA solar, water projects transforming lives in Akoeman.

The projects, valued at USD 200,000, approximately 120 million FCFA, has delivered solar-powered electricity to public buildings, a solar-driven potable water system, and solar street lighting across several localities. The initiative which has been transforming the lives of locals, was executed between June and September 2025.

The donation was channeled through the Korean Embassy in Cameroon and forms part of cooperation between Cameroon and Korea, aimed at improving living and working conditions in rural areas. 

The works were implemented by BERCOTECH SARL, a Cameroonian company specialised in solar energy solutions. The projects, designed to provide autonomous, reliable and environmentally friendly services free of charge to beneficiary communities, covered three main domains. 

This included solar electrification of public buildings, solar-powered water supply, and public lighting with solar street lamps. Beneficiaries included administrative services, security forces, schools, religious institutions and surrounding communities in Akoeman, Akom, Ndonko, Nyep, Nkolakoa and Manengombo.

Six public buildings were equipped with photovoltaic solar systems. These included Ndonko Catholic Church, Akoeman Gendarmerie, Akoeman Subdivisional Office and Police Station, the Residence of the Subdivisional Officer, General High School of Akoeman, and CETIC of Manengombo. 

Each installation comprised solar panels, lithium battery storage, hybrid inverters, LED lighting, power outlets and system reorganisation, with operating staff trained on maintenance and monitoring.

Solar electrification across localities

At Ndonko Catholic Church and the Akoeman Gendarmerie, solar systems of 3.8 kWp were installed, each supported by a 6 kVA inverter and 5 kWh lithium battery storage, to ensure reliable lighting and power for daily activities. 

Administrative and residential facilities, notably at the Subdivisional Office, the Police Station and the Divisional Officer’s residence received higher-capacity systems of 5.36 kWp, paired with 10 kWh storage. 

The General High School of Akoeman and CETIC of Manengombo were equipped with solar systems to power classrooms, offices, computers, printers and lighting. 

Automatic transfer switches were installed to allow seamless switching between solar energy and the ENEO grid, with priority given to solar power to ensure continuity of service.

In the water domain, a solar-powered potable water supply system was constructed in Akom village. The project included the drilling of a productive borehole, installation of a solar pump, construction of a 7.5-metre water tower, and mounting of two 5,000-litre tanks, giving a total storage capacity of 10,000 litres. A distribution network of over 1,000 metres was laid, supplying four modern water points, each fitted with two taps.

The system is powered by 10 solar panels generating 2,800 Wp, with an average daily production of 16,800 litres of potable water, following water analysis and treatment. A management committee was trained to oversee operations and sustainability.

Solar street lights installed

Public lighting was improved through the installation of 25 solar street lamps across four localities. Ndonko received five lamps, Nyep ten, Nkolakoa five, and the Catholic Church of Akoeman five. 

The all-in-one street lamps are mounted on 8-metre metal poles. They provide public lighting for roads and communal spaces. 

Beneficiaries express gratitude to Korean gov’t 

Following the official commissioning of the new amenities, community members and local authorities have expressed gratitude, emphasising the significant improvement the initiative has brought to living conditions in Akoeman.

The Divisional Delegate of Water and Energy for Nyong and So’o expressed satisfaction with the quality of the installation. 

He added that the infrastructures effectively meet the electricity and drinking water needs of the local population and represent a model of sustainable and eco-friendly solutions for rural areas.

On his part, the Traditional Ruler of Akom also acknowledged the impact of the water fountain in reducing long distances previously covered to fetch water and improving hygiene conditions in the village.

The General Supervisor of the General High School of Akoeman, Pierre Atangana Mbala, explained that the solar systems have improved the learning and working environment.

“The operation of computers and educational equipment is now fully autonomous, and security within the school has also been strengthened,” Atangana Mbala stated.

On her part, a local resident called Manti, at whose place the water tower was installed, said access to potable water and electricity has eased daily life for the community. 

Ndoumbe, a resident of Akom, welcomed the drinking water system, saying her household now has access to clean water after years of relying on unsafe sources. 

She recounted how her husband had become seriously ill due to the polluted water they previously consumed, and thanked all project stakeholders for the life-saving gesture.

Korean Ambassador says project strengthens cooperation

Commenting on the major milestones realised, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea in Cameroon, H.E Nam ki-wook, expressed great pleasure in “contributing to the improvement of living conditions for the people of Akoeman through the solar electrification and water supply projects”.

He said since 2020, Korea has been “supporting solar energy solutions in underserved areas of Cameroon and the Central African Republic, believing that sustainable energy can bring significant changes to local communities”. 

Ambassador Nam ki-wook said the project in Akoeman “strengthens the cooperation between Korea and Cameroon, providing reliable electricity and clean water to the people of Akoeman, which will contribute to their health and education”.

The diplomat also mentioned that in 2025, Korea installed a solar-powered electricity system at the Ministry of Finance in the Central African Republic, contributing to the improvement of civil service operations and public administration. 

“The Embassy looks forward to continuing this collaboration for sustainable development,” Ambassador Nam ki-wook stated. 

This article was first published in The Guardian Post Edition No:3691 of Monday February 02, 2026