In the heart of Cameroon, the village of Ngog Mba has taken a major step toward progress with the arrival of electricity. This project, initiated by the Rotary Club of Central Africa, in partnership with a national electrical provider, was a crucial milestone in improving the community’s quality of life.
Why Electricity?
The original goal was to provide potable water and sanitation to the village. To achieve this, wells with submersible pumps were planned to pipe clean water directly to homes. However, these pumps required a reliable power source—something the village did not have.
Making It Happen
Rather than relying on solar panels, which could be stolen, or fuel-powered generators, which required costly maintenance, the team sought a sustainable solution: connecting Ngog Mba to the national electrical grid. Through the perseverance of Rotary Club members – including the leadership of member, Francois Ngijoi, the electrical provider agreed to fund and install the necessary infrastructure, but only under one condition.
A Roadblock (Literally)
The electrical provider determined that in order to bring power to the village, the roads needed to be improved so their equipment could be transported safely. This unexpected challenge led to an entirely new project: rebuilding the road and bridge infrastructure before the electrical work could begin.
Powering the Future
Once the roads were repaired, the utility company installed poles, strung cables, and connected every home in the village to the grid. Now, for the first time, Ngog Mba has reliable electricity—paving the way for essential projects like clean water, improved healthcare, and expanded educational opportunities.
