If Cameroon is called “Africa in Miniature” because of its cultural diversity, the village of Mbohkop deserves to be called Cameroon in Miniature. Nestled in the mountains of Northwest Cameroon, Mbohkop is a remote community of about 2000 people and is home to four different tribes (Mbum, Fulbe, Yamba and Fumte), each with their own language. Furthermore, the community has three major religions – Christianity, Islam and African traditional religions.

The Mbohkop community lacks access to the basic necessities of life, including clean water and proper sanitation. The EWB-DC Professional chapter has partnered with the community of Mbohkop to implement infrastructure that meets these needs. The first phase of the project seeks to implement a potable water system.

THE NEED

The 2000 residents of the Mbohkop drink untreated surface water from streams and rivers in the surrounding area. The sanitation infrastructure within the community is poor and leads to contamination of water sources. These unsanitary conditions, coupled with consumption of non-potable water, cause the people of Mbohkop to suffer from diarrhea and other gastrointestinal health issues. The cost of treating these waterborne diseases contributes to the cycle of poverty that afflicts the region.

THE EWB-DC RESPONSE

The principal objective of EWB-DC’s project is to reduce waterborne diseases by providing the community with clean water, sanitation, and health education. The first step is to improve the water quality by installing a potable water system and implementing a water storage/distribution system. During assessment and implementation, community understanding of disease transmission and prevention will be promoted through a health and hygiene campaign. In the future, EWB-DC would like to improve sanitation in the community by installing ventilated and flood-resistant pit latrines.

ASSESSING CURRENT CONDITIONS

EWB-DC plans to travel to Mbohkop in February 2013. The principal goal of this assessment trip will be to become familiar with the community and its needs. After consulting with the people of Mbohkop, EWB-DC members will decide on the best method for water treatment, storage and distribution. Public health specialists will conduct a thorough survey of the community to determine the baseline metrics. EWB-DC members will also initiate the first phase of a health education campaign.

The team will conduct water quality tests, community health assessment, topographical surveys, assessment of materials availability and appropriate technology for a water supply system. In meetings with the water committee and community leaders, the group will discuss project plans and establish the roles and responsibilities of EWB, the water committee, and other community members. The team will also meet with local NGOs and government ministries to discuss future partnerships.

MOVING FORWARD

After returning from the assessment trip, the EWB-DC team will design a new water system for the community of Mbohkop, making sure the infrastructure is sustainable, economical and equitable. The team will then return to Mbohkop to work alongside the community members to implement the potable water system.