There is a delightful stream with an abundant flow of water located at Mbal.

The absence of a water supply point in Mbal’s village, situated in the district of Bétaré Oya in the East Cameroon region, has long been a source of hardship for its population. In order to fulfill their water requirements, the villagers have resorted to relying on springs and marigots located in the nearby steep valleys and shallows, which are approximately 1 to 2 km away from the village. This situation has had a detrimental impact on the attendance and punctuality of students at the local school, as they often leave during breaktime to quench their thirst and frequently fail to return. Additionally, the children who primarily undertake the task of fetching water for their families face significant risks, such as crossing roads unaccompanied, resulting in accidents. Casimir, one of the villagers, recalls, “The responsibility of fetching water primarily falls on children, who abandon their classrooms to provide their families with non-potable water, thereby exposing themselves to dangerous situations.”

UNICEF and its partners worked with local authorities to address the problem of poor water quality in the village of Mbal. Thanks to funding from KOICA, a solar-powered drinking water system was constructed, providing access to clean water through 5 standpipes in the village and a wall ramp at the school. This has significantly improved the health and well-being of the community.

The implementation of this system has significantly reduced the distance that children have to travel in order to fetch water, allowing them to devote more time to their studies. The local women have reported that the village has seen a significant decrease in illnesses such as diarrhea and stomach aches, thanks to the improved quality of water available. Casimir remarks that the introduction of this water point has had a profound impact on the lives of those who reside in the village.