A study of the socio economic sustainability of a proposed gravity fed water scheme in Buea, Cameroon

The water system for the town of Buea has been underperforming for several years now. A rationing system ensures that all areas receive a water supply for at least a few hours a day. At present there are two functioning single tap stands in Bonduma, the area where the research was carried out. The two tap stands serve an area with a population of several thousand people. The lack of sufficient public taps and the intermittent nature of the supply force people to walk great distances early in the morning or late at night to avoid long waits at the tap stand which become congested later in the day. The current water situation in Bonduma has serious consequences for social and economic development in the area and health is put at risk when the supply is cut for extended periods and people use the local spring instead. A gravity fed water supply has been proposed to alleviate this problem. The people of the community are all in favour of having closer, more reliable water. A water supply system needs to be designed that will best meet the needs and expectations of the consumers at a cost they can afford while at the same time generating enough revenue to cover the O&M, repair and replacement costs. The research was carried out in the communities of Wotolo, Bokoko and Bonduma using a qualitative approach involving an interview schedule and focus group meetings . The research was carried out in the communities of Wotolo, Bokoko and Bonduma and concluded that there is a universally felt need for an improved water supply. Despite examples of a good community spirit in Bonduma, there is little support for those in need and little evidence of community participation in projects that have occurred previously in the area, To give any water project started in the area the best chance of success there has to be community involvement that goes beyond making an initial cash payment.