China-Africa Cooperation : Ndoumale’s Dream Becomes Reality – Finally

As if in a dream, the circa 600 inhabitants of Ndoumale today live totally different - and a better - mode of life. Unlike a few years ago. Before their community, located in the coastal South Region of Cameroon, began to undergo gradual transformation. Thanks to the excellent relations between China and Cameroon. And the friendly exchanges between the two peoples. As dividends of fruitful bilateral cooperation ties over the years, Xinhua reports.

Dividends Of Port Building 
It was no surprise that China Harbour Engineering Company Ltd, CHEC began building the first phase of the Kribi Deep Seaport in 2011, about 25 km from Ndoumale. And did not limit its focus to the huge construction contract it had won. But also thought of the interests of people in remote - and oftentimes - inaccessible neighbouring communities.

“Life” Comes Through Water!
Reason why the Cameroonian subsidiary of CHEC, CGCOC Group, at the same time as the construction of the first phase of Kribi Port, also built a drinking water treatment plant and related facilities in Ndoumale. Which sits in the lush Equatorial Forest on the outskirts of the coastal resort town of Kribi. The plant produces 7,000 cubic metres of water a day. The gift of clean, drinkable water to Ndoumale changed the lives of the people for good. Giving more meaning to the popular saying: “Water is life.” And literally opening up limitless vistas of more development opportunities for community people. 
Understandably, the Traditional Ruler of Ndoumale, Mr. Bikouo, 58, is proud of the development transformation of his village today. His dream to lift his community out of poverty and lack of development is gradually becoming a reality. Thanks to China-Africa cooperation. “We trust the Chinese and we intend to support them in all these projects,” he pledges. 

The Life Before
To get to Ndoumale before, you had to trek for about two hours on a forest path – with no bridges over rivers. “There was a river which had no bridge. There was no road," Henri Bikouo, the traditional chief of Ndoumale recalls – with a grin. Because things have since changed. As CHEC makes money in Cameroon by winning and implementing major construction contracts, it has not forgotten its role. Its social responsibility. Towards remote community around Kribi Deep Seaport. By building roads and bridges in Ndoumale. 

Opened Up To The World
“The road is a source of wealth because it has opened us to the world. We now buy goods elsewhere and more and more people are settling and building homes in our village,” says a resident of Ndoumale, Jean Edjanle, 63. The roads extend to Bagyeli community, inhabited by the indigenous Pygmy ethnic group. "Sometimes we crossed by canoe to go to school, but now we go by road. It's good for us," rejoiced Marie Belle Ndabouane, the wife of the Bagyeli chief.

And The School Was “Born”!
Ndoumale children hitherto trekked 9 kilometres to attend classes in the nearest elementary school. Because their village had none, explains Mr. Bikouo, whose six children almost dropped out of school due to the risks and cost associated with the long journey. Today, Brian Mengue, 10, who would like to become a medical doctor, attends Ndoumale Nursery and Primary School. Alongside other community children. 
The six-classroom building once housed Chinese CGCOC workers constructing the water treatment plant. But when they left after completing their project, the building was converted into a school. The only primary school in the village – which has been operating for three years now.
“Before, children could not go to school. Now, as the school is close, everyone goes there,” the Head Teacher, Louise Njole Edjenguele, 26 says. “Education offers a good future; it makes you think. I’m happy because we now have a school in community,” says Brian Mengue.

Let There Be Light!
Today, when night falls in Ndoumale, which is surrounded by virtually thick, intact Equatorial Forest cover, solar lamps are switched on. Lighting up the previously dark skyline of Ndoumale. As well as the nursery and primary school, which also serves as a ceremonial site for the villagers. The solar lamps were provided by CHEC to facilitate the education of children and the nighttime activities of residents. “Next academic year, enrolment in the school will certainly go up because of the availability of light,” says Miss Edjenguele.

Proud About It 
In Bagyeli, the people are elated with the installation of solar panels. Ndabouane, the wife of the village chief, acknowledges that their lives have been transformed since CHEC installed the solar panels. "We use the light in our kitchens. The light can last until morning, which is a good thing. When children go to school, they turn on light. This facilitates their learning and also helps them to perform better in school,” she assures.

Chinese Investments 
Thanks in large part to Chinese investments and exp...