By Etienne Mainimo Mengnjo
Residents of Ekounou in the Yaoundé V Municipality are celebrating the inauguration of a newly constructed water point, a project initiated by the Activa Foundation.
The ceremony took place on July 10 at the Saint Benedict Church premises, with notable attendees including Mgr. Jean Mbarga, Metropolitan Archbishop of Yaoundé; Dr. Marie-Pierre Ngoulla Lowe, president of the Activa Foundation; Elvis Akondi Mbahangwen, Sub-Divisional Officer; Gabriel Bihina Effila, mayor of Yaoundé IV; and Father Antoine Evouna, parish priest.
During the inauguration, Dr. Ngoulla Lowe stressed that the water point represents more than just infrastructure as it embodies a shared vision for a better future. She indicated that the water point is part of the Activa Foundation’s “More than a Glass of Water” program, launched in 2024 to mark the foundation’s 10th anniversary. She highlighted that access to clean drinking water is a fundamental right and essential for building resilient communities.
“This water point that we unveil today goes beyond its primary function to become a place of life, providing families with this vital and healthy resource,” Dr. Ngoulla Lowe said. “It is a lever of emancipation, freeing women and children from the burden and daily dangers of the search for water.”
Mgr. Jean Mbarga praised the Activa Foundation for their commitment to social development, stating that providing clean water is akin to giving life. He remarked, “This fountain not only quenches thirst but also fosters unity within the community.”
Echoing this sentiment, Akondi Mbahangwen commended the foundation for demonstrating how the insurance sector can contribute to human development and national solidarity. He noted, “Activa’s integration of social responsibility into its corporate strategy signifies a crucial step in combating waterborne diseases and improving living conditions in our communities.”
Father Evouna, President of the Caretaker Committee, outlined the importance of proper management for the water point’s sustainability. He announced that the facility would be operational daily from 7 a.m. to 10 a.m. and from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., emphasizing the need for community involvement in its maintenance.
Since its establishment in 2014, the Activa Foundation has focused on enhancing community living conditions through various initiatives in health, education, and sustainable development. With over 30 completed projects across several African countries and in Africa, the foundation has adopted a grassroots approach that emphasizes local partnerships and measurable impact.
In Cameroon, the foundation has previously conducted free health campaigns and breast cancer screening programs while enhancing medical facilities. Since 2024, the Activa Foundation has prioritized the installation of water points to combat waterborne diseases.
The newly inaugurated water point in Ekounou marks the second one inaugurated in Cameroon, with plans to construct ten more annually across the foundation’s operational regions over the next three years. This recent addition brings the total number of inaugurated water points to eight.
The community of Ekounou is now poised to benefit significantly from this new resource, which promises to enhance the quality of life and promote health and well-being among its residents.
