The government of Burkina Faso has officially launched sanitation works in Bobo-Dioulasso, the country’s economic capital. This large-scale project, integrated into the Secondary Cities Mobility and Urban Development Project (PMDUVS), will extend across three key regions – Hauts-Bassins, Centre-Nord, and Nord – with an estimated budget of 33 billion FCFA and a 12-month implementation period.
During the launching ceremony, the Prime Minister of Burkina Faso, Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo, emphasized the crucial role of Bobo-Dioulasso as the country’s economic and cultural center. According to him, the initiative aims to consolidate urban infrastructure to significantly improve the quality of life for residents, with a particular focus on facilitating stormwater drainage. “Bobo-Dioulasso is at the center of our priorities in terms of infrastructural investments to give this city all its attributes as the economic and cultural capital of our country,” stated the Prime Minister.
He further explained that the project specifically targets the cities of Bobo-Dioulasso, Kaya, and Ouahigouya. It includes the construction of stormwater collectors and gutters, as well as the installation of solar public lighting, notably in Bobo-Dioulasso where over 15,000 meters of collectors and 3,400 meters of gutters will be developed. These works aim to significantly reduce the risk of flooding and adapt urban infrastructure to the growing challenges posed by rapid urbanization.
Jean Emmanuel Ouédraogo recalled the significant population growth of Bobo-Dioulasso, which has almost doubled in two decades, from 490,000 inhabitants in 2006 to 904,920 in 2019, highlighting the imperative for adequate urban development management. He specified that this project is the result of joint funding from the Burkinabè government and the World Bank.
The World Bank’s representative in Burkina Faso, Hamoud Abdel Wedoud Kamil, explained that the PMDUVS aims to improve mobility, access to basic services, and strengthen economic infrastructure in the face of climate change realities. “The sanitation channels that will be built will contribute to the resilience of the city of Sya to the effects of climate change, particularly flooding in at-risk areas,” he insisted. He also highlighted the strong and fruitful partnership between the World Bank and Burkina Faso.
As a sign of support for the populations who will be impacted by the works, the Minister of Infrastructure proceeded with the distribution of 9 tons of food to the residents of Bobo-Dioulasso, who will directly benefit from the improvements brought about by this ambitious project.
