CHAPTER ONE:

INTRODUCTION

1.1 Background to the Study

Water is an essential commodity for the existence of life on Earth, but the expanding human
population and climate change have caused its demand to exceed supply and quantitative depletion in many parts of the world (Jasechko and Taylor, 2015). Fresh water which is often used for drinking now occupies less than 3% of the total available water out of 326 trillion gallons of water on Earth (Krysanova et al., 2017).

The SDG 6.1 call for full coverage of safely managed drinking water by 2030. The “Safely managed drinking water” indicator includes the three following conditions: accessible on premises, available when needed and free from contamination (Hutton, 2016; WHO and UNICEF, 2017). This goal is a huge challenge for all countries, not only for low- and middle-income ones (Omarova et al, 2018). The commitment to “leave no one behind” requires a focus on rural areas, which is typically neglected (Kabeer et al, 2016). Lack of adequate information on water resources, the lack of technology and its applications hinder the process of water distribution in most developing countries of the world (Abdullahi and Abdulrahman, 2018).

In Cameroon, the Cameroon Water and Utilities Corporation (Cam Water) created in 2005 to be in charge of providing potable water to communities is however limited to meet the demands of the growing urban communities thus neglecting the ever growing rural community (Njoyim et al., 2020). It is important to investigate the water quality so as to endorse a scheme for drinking and sustainable management (CAWST, 2009). Investigating water quantity will improve on the usage and valorization of this natural resource. The chemistry of water depends on the environment in which the water sources are found, resident time of the water as well as human activities carried out in the drainage basin (Mfonka et al., 2015).  Water supply systems get water from a variety of locations, including groundwater and surface water (lakes and rivers). The water is then, in some cases, purified, disinfected through chlorination and sometimes fluoridated. The treated water either flows by gravity or is pumped to reservoirs which can be elevated or on the ground (Otman, 2011). The water is then fed into the distribution systems. Water supply networks are part of the master planning of communities and municipalities. Their planning and design requires experts, who must consider many factors such as, location, current demand, future growth, leakage, pressure, pipe size and pressure loss (Anisha et al., 2016). Providing water supply for a community involves tapping the most suitable source of water, ensuring that it is safe and of adequate quantity to satisfy domestic consumption. It is with this regard that this research was conceived to carry out a feasibility study of the water sources and a design of water supply system for Zone II of Bambui Water Authority – Tubah Subdivision, NW, Cameroon.

1.2   Problem Statement

Cameroon possesses abundant water resources in surface reservoirs and beneath the surface which are harnessed essentially for urban areas, abandoning the rural communities which have over the years been struggling with alternative water supply systems, came up with initiatives to build up their water supply systems (Chia, 2011). The objective of any water supply system is to provide safe and wholesome water to the users in adequate quantity which is readily available. The water crisis today is not just a matter of scarcity, but also a matter of access to water of good quality is a major challenge to all humans.

Water supply systems in most villages in Cameroon are previewed as community based demand driven systems and Bambui village in Tubah Subdivision is not an exemption. The water supply system in Bambui was designed some years back for a smaller population and there has been no extension; the distribution pipes of diameter 50 mm are too small with many branches along the way. This causes reduction of water pressure and volume thus water will not completely fill the pipes causing deadlocks which hinder the flow of water to distant neighborhoods. This study will be focused on Zone II of the Bambui Water Authority (BAWA) system because it is a fast developing community and there is need to protect the existing water sources and a design of an adequate distribution network. The distribution system of the BAWA is divided into five Zones of which Zone II is made up of Atotishu, Mushu, Mbube, Azoh and Achouch.

A study carried out by Cameroon Association of Active Youths (CAMAAY), 2015 recommended that, to face the population growth in Bambui, the development of new catchments must be undertaken. It is with this in mind that this study was undertaken to analyses and design a water supply system in Zone II of BAWA system, Tubah Subdivision.

1.3    Research Questions and Objectives

1.3.1 Research questions

The main research question was, what can be done to enhance the access level to potable water in Bambui – Tubah Sub- Division, Mezam Division of Cameroon. 

The secondary questions were;          

• What is the water demand of Zone II of BAWA system?
• Is/are there potential water supply sources(s) that can be harnessed?
• How can this water be made available to the population?
• What is the cost of a cubic meter of water that could be charged to the consumer which will ensure the system sustainability?

1.3.2 Objective

The main objective was to increase the access level of potable water in Bambui – Tubah Sub- Division, Mezam Division of Cameroon. 

The specific objectives were to;

• Evaluate the water demand of Zone II of BAWA system.
• Identify the various water sources in Zone II of BAWA system.
• Design a water supply system for the Zone II of BAWA system.
• Estimate the cost of a cubic meter of water to be charged to consumers to ensure sustainability.