Transforming Water Access in Libreville: A Milestone for Gabon

New Water Pumping Station Inaugurated

On a momentous day for the residents of Libreville, Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema alongside Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, marked the inauguration of a new drinking water pumping station in the PK5 district. This significant event signals the conclusion of a decade-long water crisis for the area, formerly characterized by severe shortages.

The new pumping station boasts an impressive daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters of water, poised to meet the needs of approximately 128,000 residents in seven northern districts of the capital. Community members can now experience the simple joy of fresh water flowing from their taps for the first time in years.

Voices from the Community

Local residents expressed their relief and excitement during the inauguration. Sandrine Onanga, a 33-year-old mother from PK5, shared her joy, stating, “These past few weeks, we’ve finally felt like citizens of a real capital. Water is flowing from our taps at last.” Astrid Momboukou echoed her words, reminiscing about the past, “It has been eight years since we last saw a drop of water. We had even forgotten what a tap looked like.”

For many, the hardship of hauling water over long distances has been part of daily life. Onanga noted, "No more lugging water jugs for kilometers or waiting late into the night for police tankers."

An Initiative with Far-Reaching Impact

The newly inaugurated station is not a standalone project; it is an integral part of the Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PAIEPAL). With a total investment of €117.4 million, this initiative is bolstered by a €75.4 million loan from the African Development Bank and a €42 million loan from the Africa Growing Together Fund, which has the support of the People’s Bank of China.

The project aims to enhance access to clean water and sanitation across Libreville, a city home to nearly one million residents. It is estimated that over 300,000 people now have sustainable access to clean water, including those in Libreville, Akanda, Owendo, and Ntoum.

Commitment to Gabon’s Development

During the inauguration, Adesina highlighted the significance of the new facility, proclaiming, “Ten years without drinking water: erased! Ten years without hope: forgotten! Ten years of suffering: ended!” His strong words underscored a dedicated effort by the African Development Bank to support Gabon’s development.

He continued by reflecting on the Bank’s support over the years. “From 1974 to 2014, the Bank approved $1 billion in financing for Gabon. Since my election in 2015, we have committed an additional $1.5 billion,” he noted, demonstrating a clear commitment to improving living conditions in the region.

Enhancements to Water Infrastructure

Philippe Tonangoye, Gabon’s Minister for Universal Access to Water and Energy, provided insights into the improvements made possible by the project. He noted that the initiative involved renewing 150 kilometers of pipelines, upgrading and extending another 150 kilometers of distribution networks, and constructing and rehabilitating multiple tanks for water storage. Additionally, around 60 public standpipes have been installed across Libreville and its surroundings.

“The African Development Bank spared no effort to make this program a reality,” said Tonangoye. “Some installations had not seen a single drop of water in ten years. My gratitude goes to the Bank for its commitment to Gabon.”

Acknowledgment of Leadership

Before the inauguration, Dr. Adesina received the prestigious Grand Officer of the Order of the Gabonese Merit, one of Gabon’s highest civilian honors, from President Oligui Nguema. Recognized for his visionary leadership, Adesina is set to complete his second term at the helm of the African Development Bank Group.

Under his guidance since 2015, transformative initiatives across Africa have benefited countless individuals. Notably, in the water sector alone, around 63 million people have gained access to clean water, while an additional 34 million have improved sanitation services.

Key Infrastructure Projects in Gabon

Throughout the years, the African Development Bank has been a reliable partner in advancing Gabon’s socioeconomic development. Key projects include financing the New Owendo International Port, capable of handling four million tonnes per year, and supporting the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric power station, which will enhance the country’s energy capacity.

With an active portfolio of $61.26 million, the Bank’s strategy in Gabon prioritizes the development of sustainable infrastructure and strengthening economic governance to promote social inclusion.

Engaging with the Community

Following the inauguration, President Oligui Nguema and Dr. Adesina visited families in areas that had previously endured severe water shortages. They also toured the National School for Hearing-Impaired Children, where improved water access has notably enhanced hygiene conditions.

This ambitious project not only addresses the urgent need for clean drinking water but also marks a significant step toward long-term development and improved quality of life for residents in Gabon.