Water Supply and Sanitation
Access to clean water and sanitation is fundamental to human health and dignity. In Burkina Faso, water scarcity and inadequate sanitation facilities have long posed challenges for communities, particularly in urban and peri-urban areas. The “Burkina Faso - Project to support access to drinking water and sanitation in outlying areas Ouagadougou” project, funded by the African Water Facility, is addressing these challenges by improving access to safe drinking water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. With a focus on vulnerable populations, including women and internally displaced persons, this initiative is transforming lives, promoting better public health, and empowering local businesses.
The project with a total funding of €1,700,099.56 under the joint program by the African Water Facility, Denmark and Nordic Development Fund, received a grant of €1,549,710 from African Water Facility and €150,388.78 from the Government of Burkina Faso. Focused on expanding and rehabilitating water supply infrastructure, to date, it has resulted in the construction of 15 public water hydrants and installation of 2,932 individual water connections to households. To improve sanitation, the project has also built 49 latrines for vulnerable households and nine latrines for institutions, providing communities with safer and more hygienic sanitation options.
Ilboudou Aicha, one of the beneficiaries in Goudren district, said that the project has been life changing. “It was really hard for us to have access to drinking water. At night, we didn’t sleep enough because we had to get up early and go far away to get water… but now it has become easier,” she said.
Similarly, Kabore Tenga Marie, who has lived in Nioko 2, Ouagadougou, for over 60 years and a beneficiary of the household latrines said, “Before the project, we had traditional latrines, and we often defecated in the open air. Now, we are delighted to use modern latrines, easy to use and very practical. This project will improve our hygiene.”
To date, the project has benefitted at least 18,500 people with drinking water, 590 with improved sanitation, and 3,500 with better hygiene services. On completion, interventions are expected to directly benefit a total of 28,774 people, including women and internally displaced persons.
Simpore Abzeta, a beneficiary and one of the managers for the water hydrants in Taabtenga said that access to drinking water has been transformational. “There has been a considerable change because we now have access to drinking water, and we also have income every day to meet our needs.”
The “Burkina Faso Project to support access to drinking water and sanitation in outlying areas Ouagadougou” is proving to be more than an infrastructure development effort, but a lifeline for thousands of people.
Celine Savadogo, AWF task manager for the project said, “The transformation from this project shows that when we invest in water and sanitation, we empower women, strengthen communities and create positive change.”
Additionally, the project has invested in capacity building for the implementing agency – National Office of Water and Sanitation (ONEA) – and other stakeholders, ensuring long-term sustainability. Strategic plans have also been developed to extend water and sanitation services to informal settlements, strengthening the resilience of affected communities.