1.

0 Introduction

1.1 Background of Engineers Without Borders & Bambui, Cameroon

The term Engineers Without Borders (EWB) is used widely by a number of non-governmental
organizations in various countries to express their activity based on engineering and oriented to
international development work. These organizations perform in order to serve the needs of
disadvantage people. Meanwhile, Bambui is township throughout northwestern Cameroon. With
approximately 50, 000 people, it's located with a height approximately 1350 meters above sea
level. Fairly, Bambui is the headquarters regarding Tubah Sub-Division inside North Gulf Area
regarding Cameroon.

1.2 Problem Statement

The problem that often arises from Bambui is often a lacking suitable drinking water
treatment system. Over-deforestation and also earth erosion has caused a major problem in the
current water treatment system.

1.3 Design Projects

Reignite as well as the Bambui local community leaders have determined the subsequent
water initiatives. Planning the water treatment technique which is financially probable and
reasonably simplistic and easy to understand regarding BAWA’s officers to put into action is a
crucial task regarding Bambui’s water source.
1.0 Conceptual Design

1.1 Conceptual Design 1

FIGURE 2.1
1.2 Conceptual Design 2

FIGURE 2.2
2.3 Briefing for Design 1

Figure 2.1 shows a simple and more understandable water treatment system. It consists of
five part system which is a mixer, coagulation, sedimentation, filtration and sterilize. Firstly,
water flows from the water tank into the mixer. Mixer is a process where the water is added with
aluminium sulfate (alum) and lime. The water is added with those substances to form a coagulant
with the impurities in the water. Then, the water is then flowed to the coagulation tank to form
coagulant and to settle down in the tank. This part of the process is where the larger impurities
with a higher density sink to the bottom of the sink. The water is then flowed to the sedimentation
tank where the smaller impurities flows out and the water is then flowed to filtration tank. The
water then undergoes three stages of filtration which is with sand, gravel and hard coal. Lastly,
the water goes to a sterilizing tank. Sterilize is a process where the microorganisms in the water
will be killed to make sure the water is clean and distilled well. UV Light is used to kill the
microorganisms in the water. Then, the clean and distilled water is pumped to nearby storage tank
to be supplied to the people of Bambui.

2.4 Durability and Sustainability

2.4.1 Chemical Used

Chemical is used for water treatment system because to form coagulate with the
impurities which is present in the water. Secondly, it is also used to kill the microorganisms
which thrive in the water. The chemical which is used in Design 1 is alum, lime and UV light.
Alum and lime is used to form coagulate with the impurities. It also neutralize the water because
lime is alkaline and alum is acidic. UV light is used to kill the microorganisms and make the
water clearer.

2.4.2 Material Used

Many types of materials are used for water treatment system. But not all types are
available in Bambui and it comes with a hefty price tag. Materials that are not readily available
have to be imported from other countries. Thus, the shipping fees of these material will
skyrocket. Materials used for Design 1 are 9 plastic water tanks and galvanized piping.
2.4.3 Long Term System

In a long run, building a good water treatment system is the main priority of this project
.With the design proposed, the system would be operational for a long term. System in Design 1
will not last with adequate amount of service. This is because the UV light needs a power source
to operate and in long term the power source will run out.

2.5 Cost

2.5.1 Material Cost

Cost of a material plays a vital role in an engineering project [1]. Thus, the cost of direct
materials which can be easily identified with the unit of production. Design 1 uses 9 plastic tanks
and galvanized piping. Assuming 1 plastic tanks cost 2500 CSR then, 9 x 2500 = 22500 CSR
(excluding the galvanize pipes).

2.5.2 Building Cost

Building cost can be defined as capital costs are fixed, one-time expenses incurred on the
purchase of land, buildings, construction, and equipment used in the production of goods or in the
rendering of services. Manpower in Bambui are cheap but Design 1 has 9 plastic tanks and
galvanized piping which will take more time and expensive due to its amount of plastic tanks.

2.5.3 Overhead Cost

Overhead cost is an accounting term that refers to all ongoing business expenses not
including or related to direct labor, direct materials or third-party expenses that are billed directly
to customers. Design 1 requires 9 plastic water tanks, thus this will cause more labour intensive
work and higher utilities charges.

2.6 Environmental Friendly

2.6.1 Air Pollution

Air pollution is the introduction of particulates, biological molecules, or other harmful

materials into Earth's atmosphere, causing disease, death to humans, damage to other living
organisms such as food crops, or the natural or built environment. In Design 1, UV light rays
which is exposed to the surrounding is not that lethal to human.

2.6.2 Water Pollution

Water pollution is the contamination of natural water bodies by chemical, physical,

radioactive or pathogenic microbial substances. In Design 1, UV light can’t cause any water
pollution due to its role in water treatment system and the low intensity of the light ray.

2.6.3 Soil Pollution

Soil pollution is caused by the presence of xenobiotic (human-made) chemicals or other

alteration in the natural soil environment. It is typically caused by industrial activity, agricultural
chemicals, or improper disposal of waste. In Design 1, no chemical that would leak into the soil
and contaminate the soil and causing plants to be poisoned.

2.6.4 Sound Pollution

Noise pollution or noise disturbance is the disturbing or excessive noise that may harm the
activity or balance of human or animal life. In Design 1, the UV light might have sound but it is
not that loud and it will not bother the people of Bambui.

2.7 Geographical Location

2.7.1 Location

In the aspect of location, a good and stable location should be ideal for water treatment
system. The location of this water treatment system should be built in a place where it is guarded
with the security guards to prevent any irresponsible people to vandalize the water treatment
plant. In Design 1, the project will be built adjacent to the populace of Bambui and effortlessly
assessable by them(Shah ,June 26).

2.7.2 Convenience

In terms of convenience, the water treatment system should be nearby if it ought to malfunction
or to perform a maintenance check. It also has to be assessable by the people of Bambui if any
modification has to be done. In Design 1, the water treatment system will be built nearby to the
people of Bambui.
2.8 Briefing for Design 2

Design 2.2 exhibits a much more complex and advanced water treatment system. It
consists of a six part system which is coagulation, sedimentation, filtration, primary disinfection,
storage clear well and pump station. Firstly, during the coagulation phase, water is added with a
coagulant aluminium sulfate (alum) and powder carbon dioxide, will be added to the water
mainly because it flows to sedimentation basins. Secondly, in the sedimentation phase, water
flows directly into calm sedimentation basins in which the flocculated debris work out for the
bottom. Immediately, approximately 85% on the suspended materials takes up residence out and
about. Then the water flows to filtration tank where the top water flows to large gravity filters
where the water flows down through filter media consisting of layers of small pieces of hard coal
(anthracite), sand, and gravel placed in the bottom of deep, concrete-walled boxes. Then, water
flows to the primary disinfection where chlorine is added to the water. Chlorine in the form of
sodium hypochlorite is added with precision equipment to kill pathogenic microscopic life such
as bacteria. Ammonia is then added. The chlorine and ammonia combine to form chloramine
compounds. Lastly, water flows to storage clear well where water undergoes Reverse Osmosis.
Reverse Osmosis is a process where it uses a semipermeable membrane to eliminate greater
particles and harmful ions from water. The chloramine ions are extracted out from the drinking
water using this process. Then, the clean and distilled water is pumped to nearby storage tank to
be supplied to the people of Bambui.

2.9 Durability and Sustainability

2.9.1 Chemical Used

Chemical is used for water treatment system because it is used to kill the microorganisms
which thrive in the water. Secondly, it is also used to form coagulate with the impurities which is
present in the water. The chemical which is used in Design 2 is alum, powder carbon dioxide,
chlorine and ammonia. Alum and powder carbon dioxide is used to form coagulate with the
impurities. Chlorine and ammonia is used to kill the microorganisms. Chlorine and ammonia
combines to form chloramine ions which also removes any metal ions which is present in the
water.

2.9.2 Material Used

Numerous sorts of materials are utilized for water treatment system at the same time, not
assorted types are accessible in Bambui and it accompanies an expensive rate [2]. Materials that
are not promptly accessible must be imported from different nations. Subsequently, the delivery
charges of these material will soar. Materials utilized for Design 2 are 5 plastic water tanks and
galvanized piping.

2.9.3 Long Term System

In a long run, assembling a decent water treatment system is the primary need of this
undertaking .With the configuration proposed, the framework would be operational for a long
haul. Framework in Design 2 will last with sufficient measure of administration.. This is because
the ammonia and chlorine does not need a power source to operate and also is abundant in
Bambui.

2.10 Cost

2.10.1 Material Cost

Expense of a material assumes an essential part in a designing undertaking. Therefore, the

expense of direct materials which can be effectively related to the unit of production. Design 2
uses 5 plastic tanks and galvanized piping. Assuming 1 plastic tanks cost 2500 CSR then, 5 x
2500= 12500 CSR (excluding the galvanize pipes).

2.10.2 Building Cost

 Building expense can be characterized as capital expenses are altered, one-time costs
acquired on the buy of area, structures, development, and hardware utilized as a part of the
generation of merchandise or in the rendering of administrations. Manpower in Bambui are
inexpensive however Design 2 has 5 plastic tanks and galvanized piping which will take less time
and less expensive because of its measure of plastic tanks [3].

2.10.3 Overhead Cost

Overhead cost is a bookkeeping term that alludes to all continuous costs of doing business
excluding or identified with direct work, direct materials or outsider costs that are charged
straightforwardly to clients. Design 2 has 5 plastic water tanks, accordingly this will bring about
less concentrated work and cheaper utilities charges.

2.11 Environmental Friendly

2.11.1 Air Pollution

Air contamination is the presentation of particulates, organic atoms, or other hurtful

materials into Earth's air, bringing about malady, demise to people, harm to other living life
forms, for example, sustenance crops, or the regular or fabricated environment [4]. In Design 2,
evaporated ammonia and chloride when is presented to the surroundings may cause a catastrophe
impacts on human.

2.11.2 Water Pollution

Water contamination is the pollution of regular water bodies by substance, physical,

radioactive or pathogenic microbial substances. In Design 2, if a great amount of chlorine
accidentally spill to the water it will pollute the water with chlorine ions which makes the
poisonous.

2.11.3 Soil Pollution

 Soil contamination is brought about by the vicinity of xenobiotic (human-made)
chemicals or other change in the regular soil environment. It is commonly brought on by
mechanical action, agrarian chemicals, or inappropriate transfer of waste. In Design 2,
ammonium and chlorine may spill into the soil and pollute the soil and bringing about plants to be
harmed.

2.11.4 Sound Pollution

Sound contamination or commotion aggravation is the exasperating or extreme clamor

that may hurt the movement or parity of human or creature life. In Design 2, the chemical utilized
won't bring about any solid and trouble the populace of Bambui.

2.12 Geographical Location

2.12.1 Location

In the part of area, a great and stable area ought to be perfect for water treatment
framework. The area of this water treatment framework ought to be fabricate in a spot where it is
monitored with the security watchmen to keep any untrustworthy individuals to vandalize the
water treatment plant. In Design 2, will be built in a deserted area where no individual can
vandalize the water treatment plant.

2.12.2 Convenience

As far as convenience, the water treatment framework ought to be adjacent on the off
chance that it should glitch or to perform a maintenance check [5]. It likewise must be assessable
by the populace of Bambui if any adjustment must be finished. In Design 2, will be built in a
deserted area where because it has ammonia and chlorine which can harm the people of Bambui.

2.0 Design Evaluation

Please Refer Weightage Table in Appendix 6.0

2.1 Durability and Sustainability

3.1.1 Chemical Used
In Design 1 scores 8/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 5/10 for chemical used. This can be
explained because in Design 1 uses lime, alum and UV light meanwhile Design 2 uses alum,
powder carbon dioxide, chloride and ammonia. The chemical in Design 1 chosen due to its
chemical is much more environmental friendly compared to Design 2. Thus, Design 1 is chosen.

3.1.2 Materials Used

Design 1 scores 6/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 7/10 for materials used. This can be
explained because in Design 1 acquire 9 plastic tanks and galvanized piping meanwhile Design 2
acquire 5 plastic tanks and galvanized piping. The chemical in Design 2 chosen due to its less
material needed to build the water treatment system compared to Design 1. Thus, Design 2 is
chosen.

3.1.3 Long Term System

Design 1 scores 5/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 8/10 for long term system. This can be
explained because in Design 1 requires a power source due to its UV lights operate by using a
power source and the power source should be replace when it runs out of power meanwhile
Design 2 does not require a power source to operate. The design in Design 2 chosen due to its
long term system as compared to Design 1. Thus, Design 2 is chosen.

2.2 Cost
2.2.1 Materials Cost

Design 1 scores 5/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 7/10 for materials cost. This can be
explained because in Design 1 requires 9 plastic water tanks and galvanized piping meanwhile
Design 2 requires 5 plastic water and galvanized piping. Assuming 1 plastic water tanks is 2500
CSR, the Design 1 has 9 plastic water tanks. Therefore, 9 x 2500=22500 CSR. Design 2 has 5
plastic water tanks. Therefore, 5 x 2500= 12500 CSR. The design in Design 2 chosen due to its
material cost is much cheaper as compared to Design 1. Thus, Design 2 is chosen.

2.2.2 Building Cost

 Design 1 scores 6/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 7/10 for building cost. This can be
explained because in Design 1 requires more time and more manpower to build meanwhile
Design 2 requires more time and more manpower to build. To build 9 plastic water tanks in
Design 1 is much harder as compared to Design 2. The design in Design 2 chosen due to its
building cost is much cheaper as compared to Design 2. Thus, Design 2 is chosen.

2.2.3 Overhead Cost

Design 1 scores 6/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 7/10 for overhead cost. This can be
explained because in Design 1 requires higher charges utilities to build meanwhile Design 2
requires much cheaper charges utilities. The design in Design 2 chosen due to its overhead cost is
much cheaper as compared to Design 1. Thus, Design 2 is chosen.
2.3 Environmental Friendly
2.3.1 Air Pollution

Design 1 scores 4/5 meanwhile Design 2 scores 1/5 for air pollution. This can be
explained because in Design 1 has the intensity of the UV light is low and not harmful to people
in Bambui meanwhile Design 2 has ammonia and chlorine which able to evaporate to
surroundings when exposed to air. The design in Design 1 chosen due to it is not harmful to the
people of Bambui as compared to Design 2. Thus, Design 1 is chosen.

2.3.2 Water Pollution

Design 1 scores 4/5 meanwhile Design 2 scores 1/5 for water pollution. This can be
explained because in Design 1 has the intensity of the UV light is low and it will only kill the
microorganisms in the water meanwhile Design 2 has chlorine which ionises to chloride ions and
it is poisonous if it is consumed and it pollutes the water . The design in Design 1 chosen due to it
is not harmful to the people of Bambui as compared to Design 2. Thus, Design 1 is chosen.

2.3.3 Soil Pollution

 Design 1 scores 4/5 meanwhile Design 2 scores 1/5 for soil pollution. This can be
explained because in Design 1 no chemical that would leak into the soil and contaminate the soil
and causing the plants to be poisoned meanwhile Design 2 has ammonia and chlorine which able
to spill out to the soil and pollute the soil and causing the plants to be harmed.. The design in
Design 1 chosen due to it is not harmful to the people of Bambui as compared to Design 2. Thus,
Design 1 is chosen.

2.3.4 Sound Pollution

Design 1 scores 5/5 meanwhile Design 2 scores 5/5 for soil pollution. Therefore, there is no
decision made in which will favorable either Design 1 or Design 2.

2.4 Geographical Location

2.4.1 Location
Design 1 scores 9/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 4/10 for location. This can be explained
because in Design 1 the water treatment system will be built nearby of people of Bambui
meanwhile Design 2 water treatment system will be built near a deserted area due to the chemical
that present. Thus, Design 1 is chosen.

2.4.2 Convenience

Design 1 scores 8/10 meanwhile Design 2 scores 4/10 for convenience. This can be
explained because in Design 1 there is no chemical that should poured on a daily basis meanwhile
Design 2 has ammonia and chlorine which an individual is needed to pour those substances into
the water. The design in Design 1 chosen due to it is more convenience to the people of Bambui
as compared to Design 2. Thus, Design 1 is chosen.
4.0 Conclusion

In a nutshell, Design 1 is the most suitable and appropriate design of a water treatment system in
Bambui. Firstly, the chemical used. Design 1 uses alum, lime and UV light meanwhile Design 2
uses alum, powder carbon dioxide, chloride and ammonia. The chemical in Design 1 is much
more environmental friendly compared to Design 2. Secondly, even though the material used in
Design 1 is more than Design 2 it will be a perfect system for Bambui because of water treatment
system in Design 1 is much easier to be constructed by the people of Bambui. Thirdly is the long
term system. Although Design 1 is less sustainable compared to Design 2, it produces a better and
cleaner water than the water in Design 2. Next, the materials cost. Design 1 has 9 plastic water
tank (excluding galvanized piping) and Design 2 has 5 plastic water tank (excluding galvanized
piping). Definitely, Design 1 will be more expensive than Design 2 but it is much safer to operate
compared to Design 2. In addition, the building cost. The building cost of Design 1 will be more
compared to Design 2. Saying that, Design 1 is much nearer to the village compared to Design 2.
Thus, manpower can be easily transported to the Design 1. Then, overhead cost. The overhead
cost of Design 1 will be more compared to Design 2. But, there will be not much problem
supplying utilities because Design 1 is much closer to the village. Now, air pollution. The
substances used in Design 1 will not cause problems to the surrounding as compared to the
chemical in Design 2. This is because the substances used in Design 1 is eco-friendly compared
to the substances used in Design 2. Next, is water pollution. Design 1 the chemicals doesn’t
produce any harmful ions as the chemicals Design 2 will produce chloride ions that will pollute
the water. Now, soil pollution. The chemicals in Design 1 will not harm the plants when is
slipped to the soil but chemicals in Design 2 will kill the plant when is slipped to the soil. Next, is
sound pollution. Both Design 1 and 2 will not produce sound pollution. Then, is location.
Location of the Design 1 is much more nearer to the village because Design 2 will be built at a
deserted area due to the chemical in it that might harm people. Lastly, is convenience. Design 1is
much more convenience due to the Design 2 the chemical should be filled daily by an individual
which is uneasy. To make the long story short, Design 1 is chosen as the best and suitable water
treatment system to be built in Bambui.

5.0 Reference List

1. Water for Construction. (n.d.). Retrieved 28 March, 2015, from GharExpert:

http://www.gharexpert.com/articles/Water-1837/Water-Construction_0.aspx
2. Shah, S. A. (2014, June 26). Crops grown in contaminated water sold unchecked in
Quetta. From Dawn: http://www.dawn.com/news/1115277

3. Bodonyi, M. (n.d.). Reignite Action for Development (Design area 1 - Water treatment)).
Retrieved 28 March, 2015, from EWB Challenge: http://www.ewbchallenge.org/reignite-
action-development/design-area-1-water-supply

4. Centre for Affordable Water and Sanitation Technology. (n.d.). From CAWST:
http://www.cawst.org/resources/biosand-filter

5. Mitten, P. (28 May, 2014). Design of a sustainable water treatment system for developing
regions. Retrieved 28 March, 2015, from ResearchGate:
http://www.researchgate.net/publication/236111573_Design_of_a_sustainable_water
_treatment_system_for_developing_regions
6. Siegel, R. (27 June, 2012). Water Treatment System:Pros and Cons. Retrieved 28 March,
2015, from TriplePundit: http://www.triplepundit.com/special/water-treatment- system-
pros-cons/

APPENDIX
Criteria/Requirement Weightage Design 1 Design 2
(%)

Durability and
30
Sustainability
Chemical Used 10
8 5
Material Used 10
6 7
Long Term System 10
5 8

Cost 30

Material Cost 10 5 7
Building Cost 10 6 7
Overhead Cost 10 6 7
Environmental
20
Friendly
 Air Pollution 5 4 1
Water Pollution 5 4 1
Soil Pollution 5 4 1
Sound Pollution 5 5 5
Geographical
20
Location
Location 10 7 5
Convenience 10 8 4

Total 100 68 58