Chinese-built water supply project goes into operation in Cameroon

A Chinese-built water supply project started operation on Tuesday in Yaounde, the capital city of Cameroon, promising to end the region's chronic water shortages.

The Yaounde City Drinking Water Supply Project (PAEPYS), which is mostly financed by China, is located in Batchenga. It aims to increase the city's daily drinking water supply from the current 250,000 cubic meters to around 550,000 cubic meters. According to authorities, it is the largest water catchment plant in sub-Saharan Africa.

Cameroon's Minister for Water and Energy, Gaston Eloundou Essomba, attended the inauguration ceremony and officially turned on the tap of the new water plant, marking the official entry into operation of the project.

"The project was built as part of the China-Cameroon cooperation. It was set up to provide a lasting solution to the shortfall in drinking water production in the city of Yaounde and the surrounding area by producing an additional 300,000 cubic meters per day, which can be increased to 400,000 cubic meters per day," he said.

An estimated 17,000 U.S. dollars has been allocated towards the extension of this project. The move is expected to ensure that households are supplied with water until 2040.

"As part of this project, 200,000 new connections are to be made and some 60 kilometers of pipes built, which will cover the additional needs of at least 1 million people in Yaounde and the surrounding area who will be newly served by the network before the end of 2025," said the minister.

The project has a water collection and pumping plant with a capacity of 315,000 cubic meters per day. It is also equipped with seven 1,000 kilowatt centrifugal pumps, a water treatment plant, reservoirs and command stations.

Wang Yingwu, the Chinese Ambassador to Cameroon, described the project as a "major flagship" of Chinese-Cameroonian cooperation.

"As one of the major flagship projects of Chinese-Cameroonian cooperation, and an emblematic project between the two countries, the project to supply drinking water to the city of Yaounde and the surrounding area will effectively do just that - guarantee that supply to Yaounde and the surrounding area once it has been commissioned, and is a genuine project in the general interest," Wang said at the inauguration ceremony.

Chinese-built water supply project goes into operation in Cameroon

This National Day holiday has witnessed a surge in tourism, not only in major cities but also in small counties, with travel orders in these areas increasing by 20 percent, according to data from an online tourism platform.

In contrast to the "special forces-style travel," which emphasizes quick stops at multiple attractions and hurriedly sampling street food before racing to the next Instagrammable location, tourism in counties offers a slower, more leisurely pace, attracting visitors seeking relaxation.

The counties surrounding central cities and renowned tourist attractions benefit from abundant natural resources, convenient transportation, and better infrastructure.

In Zhengding Ancient City of north China's Hebei Province, tourists are flocking to popular spots to appreciate the autumn sunset against the backdrop of grand ancient buildings. Local authorities have further engaged visitors by staging performances that reflect the area's rich culture. As night falls, tourists enjoy immersive interactions with live performances and holographic laser projections.

"Upon arrival at Zhengding, I was pleasantly surprised by how it exceeded my expectations. The blend of history and culture is truly captivating," said a tourist.

In Jixian County of Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, the Qixingshan National Forest Park fascinates visitors with its stunning natural landscapes and rich ecological resources. People revel in the tranquility of nature while enjoying outdoor camping. The county boasts a 98 percent forest coverage and rich biodiversity, making it a prime attraction.

"This journey at Qixingshan has allowed me to relax completely," said another tourist.

Traveling to small counties and towns is becoming increasingly popular due to their uniqueness and compelling stories. By offering cost-effective experiences and with improved infrastructure and accommodations, these emerging tourist destinations will continue to enhance the quality and variety of tourism products and service, fueling a growing interest among travelers.

The National Day holiday, which runs from October 1 to 7, marks a peak season for travel and tourism in China.

Tourism in small counties blooms as travelers seek local specialties, serenity