Gabon/Drinking water: Launch of the 100 wells program

Initiated by the Société équatoriale des mines (SEM) as part of its CSR commitments, the 100 boreholes project was launched on May 12 by the Minister of Mines. Its objective is to provide the population with 100 water stations, thanks to the exploitation of underground water.

100 water stations to provide drinking water to the Gabonese population in the country's 9 provinces. This is the challenge of the "100 boreholes" project initiated by the Société équatoriale des mines (SEM) as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) policy. Launched on May 12 by the Minister of Mines, who was accompanied by the Minister of Energy and Hydraulic Resources, the project is expected to build 100 water stations through the exploitation of groundwater and to promote the development of a sustainable water supply.The project is expected to build 100 water stations by exploiting groundwater and providing better access to drinking water for the population, in accordance with the projects selected under the Plan for Accelerating the Transformation of the Gabonese Economy (PAT).

According to Elvis Ossindji, the Minister of Mines, this project was requested by President Ali Bongo, through Decree No. 023/PR/MPGM of023/PR/MPGM of January 22, 2021 setting the rules relating to the contribution of mining activity to local development in the Gabonese Republic. "A clear desire of the Head of State to put his words into action when he speaks of shared prosperity," said the Minister. Mining companies working throughout the country are obliged to carry out actions in favor of local populations. These actions are aimed at six targets: women, youth, education, health, infrastructure, water and electricity.

Contribution of the mining activity to local development

The first phase of this program was launched in the communes of Akanda (first camp) and Owendo (Igoumié). "This program does not replace the activities already carried out by the Ministry of Energy and Hydraulic Resources," said Elvis Ossindji. This program is divided into 3 phases. A phase I concerning the provinces of Estuaire (14), Moyen-Ogooué (10), Ngounié (14), Nyanga (11) and Ogooué-Maritime (12). A phase II affecting those of Woleu-Ntem (7) and Ogooué-Ivindo (9) and phase III for Haut-Ogooué (12) and Ogooué-Lolo (11).

In terms of monitoring, an after-sales service program has been set up, led by engineers from the Mines administration, the SEM and those of the Energy and Hydraulic Resources Department. These different parties see in this project, the provision of basic infrastructure for the creation of a living environment conducive to the development of cities, their peripheries and villages.

Source: www.gabonreview.com