Norwegian Technology Ensures Clean Water for Millions
Published: |
Viggo Bjerkelund, Engineering Manager at Inrigo in Norway, together with Mr. Polycap from the local Inrigo team in Cameroon, standing by a "fountain" of clean water flowing from a test outlet at the new water treatment plant in Nkam. Photo: Inrigo
Inrigo, based in Trondheim, is delivering its largest project to date as it undertakes the task of purifying drinking water for Douala, Cameroon, a city with 4.2 million inhabitants. The company, with experts from NTNU and Sintef, has secured a contract worth approximately NOK 875 million. The state-owned Eksfin is contributing to the financing.
The Japoma Plant – Essential for Life and Health
The Japoma water treatment plant in Douala, Cameroon, will be Inrigo’s largest project so far. The plant, originally built in 1975, is in dire need of upgrades. After Inrigo’s work, its capacity will increase from 55,000 cubic meters to 123,000 cubic meters. As the largest drinking water facility in Douala and the second largest in Cameroon, the upgraded plant will significantly improve access to clean water for millions of people in the city, which has a population of 4.2 million.
“The Japoma plant is a milestone for Inrigo. The project will result in significant health benefits in Cameroon and create jobs in Trondheim. With financing from Eksfin, Inrigo will deliver a commercial project that will impact millions of people,” says Gaute Moldestad, Chief Operating Officer at Inrigo.
Securing the Contract with a State Loan from Eksfin
Norwegian Eksfin has provided financing for both the Japoma project and Inrigo’s previous project in Cameroon.
“By offering loans to Cameroon, Eksfin makes it easier to choose Norwegian suppliers. Eksfin has good experience with both Inrigo and Cameroon, as they have been reliable commercial partners in the past,” says Tone Lunde Bakker, CEO of Eksfin.
Ståle Torgersbråten confirms the quality of the treated water. Photo: Bodil Sannes-Vardenær.
Expertise from NTNU and Sintef
Many of Inrigo’s key personnel have backgrounds from the research environments at NTNU and SINTEF. With its modular approach, Inrigo can build and test much of the equipment in Norway before delivering it to Cameroon.
“In recent years, Inrigo has also positioned itself in the USA, where we are currently working on engineering projects and see great potential for further exports,” says Moldestad.
“It is not always easy for companies to secure financing for projects in Africa. Eksfin can provide state-backed loans and guarantees for commercial projects,” concludes Tone Lunde Bakker.
Eksfin can provide state-backed loans and guarantees that support specific sales contracts, export-promoting investments in Norway, or other types of transactions that contribute to Norwegian value creation and employment. Eksfin does not provide grants.