By: TPA News Desk | editor@thepointafricanews.com

LIBREVILLE, Gabon – Gabon’s President Brice Oligui Nguema on Monday, June 16, 2025, officially inaugurated the PK5 pumping station, a significant infrastructure project developed in partnership with the African Development Bank (AfDB). The initiative is poised to sustainably improve access to drinking water for the residents of Greater Libreville and its surrounding areas.

The PK5 pumping station is a key component of the broader Libreville Integrated Water Supply and Sanitation Program (PIAEPAL), an ambitious undertaking valued at €117.40 million. The project received substantial financing from the African Development Bank, contributing €75.4 million, with an additional €42 million from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF), which the AfDB Group manages.

With a daily capacity of up to 57,600 cubic meters of water, the new pumping station is expected to significantly alleviate the drinking water deficit in the capital region. The PIAEPAL program, approved by the AfDB Board of Directors in October 2018, aims to reinforce and extend Libreville’s water distribution network, including the renewal of 149 km of pipes and the reinforcement and extension of another 131 km. It also includes the construction of new water towers and 39 drinking fountains.

During the inauguration, President Nguema was joined by Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group, highlighting the strong collaborative effort behind the project. This initiative aligns with Gabon’s broader goals to enhance quality of life for its citizens and ensure universal access to essential services. The project, nearing its final completion phase, is expected to provide a continuous and adequate supply of drinking water to more than 20,000 residents immediately, with wider benefits expected across Greater Libreville as the distribution network is fully refurbished.