PROJECTS WITH OUR INTERNATIONAL PARTNERS

Bio Sand Filter Technicians in Nkuv, first left if Peter Njodzeka (CEO/Founder LWDGC)


Thirst Relief, The Water Project: Cameroon

Summary:

The Water Project is partnering with Thirst Relief International to supply biosand water filters to villages and neighborhoods as part of Thirst Relief's larger mission in Cameroon.

Our goal is to connect you to these villages through this blog. We'll be in regular contact with aid workers in the villages we're supporting as the project unfolds. You will have the unique opportunity to see how your support is being put to use. But, more than that, you'll become part of the story as you interact by email, this blog and other means with the very people you've chosen to partner with! So come on...get involved.

Project Details:

The Cameroon Water Project seeks to address the clean water needs of the rural population of Cameroon. Even within the capital city of Yaounde and the other major cities of Cameroon, the water that flows from the tap is dirty and contaminated at times. As a result, the long-term vision of the Cameroon Water Project is to introduce the BioSand filters to those in need nationwide.

The first target area for this water project is the village of Nkuv nestled in a remote location in the northwest portion of the country (a 4 hour trek from Kumbo, the closest city). For this community of some 700 inhabitants, there is no access to clean drinking water, electricity, good roads, or health clinics. The Nkuv villagers take their drinking water source from the muddy tributary rivers in the region, which are a 20 to 30 minute walking distance from their homes. These same rivers are used to wash clothes and water their livestock. Although these rivers are vital to the existence of the Nkuv community, they are also source of disease and sickness. As most families do not boil the river water before drinking, water-related sickness and disease is common among the children between 1 and 10 years old. The distribution of BioSand filters will serve to greatly reduce water-related illness and disease among the Nkuv population.

The Cameroon Water Project is implemented at the point of need through a partnership with the Life & Water Development Group – Cameroon (LWDGC) based out of Yaounde, Cameroon. The cost to build, distribute, and install a BioSand water filter is $50, which in turn benefits 10 people in need on average. The Cameroon Water Project has resources/infrastructure ready and waiting to implement 30 BioSand filters per month.

You can learn more about the importance of access to clean water at: http//:cameroon.thewaterproject.org/

Bio Sand Filter being casted in Nkuv by the technicians


EWB-Hope College Water Project: Cameroon

Summary:

EWB-Hope College and LWDGC is working towards the implementation of the Nkuv piping water system project. EWB-Hope College first introduced the bio sand filter to the population of Nkuv in 2006, and today, there have been so much improvement in the lives of the people of Nkuv. Their health has improved especially that of the children under the ages of five. EWB-Hope College alongside with CAWST-Canada in 2007 organized a conference to sensitize many other communities the importance of the bio sand filter.

EWB-Hope College engineers will be in Cameroon in May 2008 for the implementation of the Nkuv water project. The sand filters already being constructed by the LWDGC and funded by the Thirst Relief International and The Water Project will be used in filtering the pipe borne water to be realized in May 2008.

LWDGC is working towards the development of the Cameroonian communities in every aspect to bring the change to the lives of everyone.

A Description of a Bio Sand Filter


EWB-University of Texas at Austin and LWDGC Water Project: Cameroon

Summary

As of January 22, 2008

In January 2008, LWDGC and the EWB-University of Texas at Austin traveled to Saker Baptist College in Limbe, Cameroon for our first assessment trip. It was an extremely successful trip that established a solid foundation for the rest of the project. We all met and became very aquainted with the EWB engineers, Ester Ayuk, and the administration and staff of Saker Baptist College.

From our first assessment, we have determined several issues that will be addressed in a lot of ways. We are currently compiling all of the data we obtained to better understand the water system at the school. Also, we have begun designing the structure and foundation of a water storage tank. The plans was presented at the Parent-Teacher Association meeting of Saker Baptist College on February 19th, 2008. Our next visit to Saker will be in June 2008, and we are all anxiously anticipating it. 
                             

Peter Njodzeka (Left) and the EWB-University of Texas at Austin engineers in Limbe January 2008