AfDB at work: Boosting water access in Gabon

In 2023, AfDB funded an initiative to improve access to clean drinking water in Gabon through its financial support of the Ntoum 7 project in Ntoum, about 40 kilometres from Gabon’s capital, Libreville. The project served to address the water scarcity issues plaguing  growing urban population by providing a continuous supply of drinkable water to thousands of people.

Since its implementation, the Ntoum 7 project has increased the water production capacity in Libreville and its surrounding areas by an impressive 36,000 cubic metres per day. This boost has improved the overall water supply system, ensuring that residents in urban and semi-urban areas now have reliable access to clean drinking water. The successful project has significantly improved  health, hygiene, and living conditions for the local population.

Before the completion of the Ntoum 7 project, many communities struggled with inconsistent, and unreliable water supplies. This in turn often led to the use of unsafe water sources, increasing the risk of waterborne diseases. AfDB’s investment has not only helped mitigate these risks, but has also contributed to the broader socio-economic development of the region by improving access to a vital resource.

The success of the Ntoum 7 project is part of AfDB’s larger strategy to support sustainable infrastructure development in Africa. By addressing key challenges in water management, the Bank is fostering public health improvements and creating long-term benefits for Gabon’s population. The Ntoum 7 project exemplifies how AfDB’s infrastructure investments are making a tangible impact on people’s daily lives across the continent.