GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Decision Analysis for the Sustainable Management of the Nkong Zem Pipe-Borne Water Network: West Region of Cameroon

Abstract

Access to potable water is a serious problem that plagues most communities in 3 rd World countries. Governments to this effect have developed texts governing the water sector that often encourage local participation. Thus, in pursuance of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) set up after 2015 following the failure to achieve the MDGs by the UN, many countries still do not attain the set objectives today. GICABAF (A Common Initiative Group) in 2012 financed the installation of pipe-borne water network in Sa’ah Batsengl’a locality in Nkong Zem Council of West Cameroon. But the problem observed in its management is that no database was put in place to ease its management which cannot guarantee sustainability. This study proposes a computerised database to manage the water network. To conduct this study, a six months internship was carried out with GICAPBAF where GPS was used to track all the pipes and locate other phenomena. Then a set questionnaire was administered to subscribers and managers in order to understand the functioning of the network so as to propose the GIS-AWS. These data collected were then treated and analysed in a GIS software (MapInfo). The generated database was then coupled to a flow simulation model in a distribution network (Epanet) which gave rise to GIS-Epanet. This was realised through the use of plugin GHydraulics of QGis and the MapBasic language of MapInfo. This will enable present and future managers of the project to master the network thereby facilitating the detection of any malfunctioning for prompt reaction. This simply summarises the putting in place of GIS Applied to Water Supply (GIS-AWS).