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Economic development

Inauguration of Water Pumping Station Marks End of 10-Year Water Crisis in Libreville, Gabon

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

The African Development Bank, led by President Akinwumi Adesina, has inaugurated a new drinking water pumping station in Libreville, Gabon, ending a decade-long water crisis in the city. The initiative has ensured that more than 300,000 people, approximately 31% of Libreville's 967,095 residents, now have sustainable and permanent access to clean water. The pumping station, with a daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters, is designed to deliver clean water to 128,000 residents across seven northern districts of the capital.

Key Takeaways:

  • The new PK5 pumping station has a daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters and is designed to deliver clean water to 128,000 residents across seven northern districts of Libreville.
  • The Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PAIEPAL) has a total investment of EUR117.4 million, financed through a EUR75.4 million loan from the African Development Bank and a EUR42 million loan from the Africa Growing Together Fund (AGTF).
  • The program aims to improve access to potable water and sanitation services in Libreville, strengthen sector governance, and build capacity for long-term transformation.
  • The initiative has significantly improved water infrastructure in Libreville, involving the renewal of 150 kilometers of pipelines, upgrading and extending 150 kilometers of distribution networks, building and rehabilitating multiple water towers, and installing around 60 public standpipes across the city and surrounding areas.
  • The African Development Bank has committed $1.5 billion to Gabon since 2015, 1.5 times the previous 40-year total.
  • President Adesina was conferred the insignia of Grand Officer of the Order of the Gabonese Merit for his visionary leadership and development support to Gabon during his ten-year tenure.
  • The Bank has financed several flagship projects in Gabon, including the New Owendo International Port, the Kinguélé Aval hydroelectric power station, and the Ndende-Doussala road.
  • The African Development Bank Group's strategy in Gabon focuses on two priority areas: supporting the development of sustainable infrastructure to drive industrialization, and strengthening economic governance and the business climate to promote social inclusion.

Statistics:

  • 300,000 people, approximately 31% of Libreville's 967,095 residents, now have sustainable and permanent access to clean water.
  • The new PK5 pumping station has a daily capacity of 57,600 cubic meters.
  • 128,000 residents across seven northern districts of Libreville will benefit from the clean water provided by the pumping station.
  • The Integrated Drinking Water Supply and Sanitation Program for Libreville (PAIEPAL) has a total investment of EUR117.4 million.
  • The African Development Bank has committed $1.5 billion to Gabon since 2015.
  • 63 million people have gained access to clean water and 34 million to sanitation services in Africa through the Bank's High 5s priorities.

Sources:

  • M2 PRESSWIRE (June 19, 2025)
  • African Development Bank Group (www.AfDB.org)
  • APO Group (https://apo-opa.co/4n9ysad)
  • African Development Bank Group's "High 5s" priorities (https://apo-opa.co/4n9ysad)
  • African Development Bank Group's press release (https://apo-opa.co/4n5syH0)

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