Bale: The province is the best example in the Bankui region with a sanitation rate of 68.8%. Adjara Kientega, Secretary General of the Bankui and Sourou regions, presided over the regional commemoration of the 24th World Toilet Day (WTD) on Friday, November 21, 2025, in Boromo. The event was organized by the Regional Directorate of Water and Sanitation with financial support from the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation (Enabel). The ceremony brought together various stakeholders working to promote sanitation and hygiene, as well as regional administrative bodies.According to Burkina Information Agency, the regional rate of access to sanitation has seen continuous improvement, rising from 10.3% in 2015 to 27.5% in 2024 and 28.3% for the national rate. This improvement is attributed to the combined efforts of all actors in the sanitation sub-sector. However, authorities noted that this overall rate masks significant disparities between the provinces in the region. The latest statistics from the natio nal inventory of works show that the rate of access to adequate sanitation is 65.8% in Bale, compared to lower rates in Mouhoun, Sourou, Banwa, Kossin, and Nayala.Authorities have expressed concern over the widespread practice of open defecation in several localities, despite communication efforts. Only 3% of the region's villages have achieved open defecation-free status. Adjara Kientega emphasized the numerous challenges in sanitation, which impact public health, the environment, education, and human dignity. He urged stakeholders to continue their efforts to enhance sanitation indicators in the region.To address these challenges, authorities advocated for the construction of and access to toilets, along with a collective shift in mindset. The key message emphasized building and maintaining toilets in homes, ensuring accessibility and proper use in public facilities, and supporting initiatives that transform waste into valuable resources.The ceremony featured awareness sessions by the Farafina Yelen t heatre troupe, students from the Boromo ''A'' school, and local artists. Certificates of recognition were presented to partners, particularly the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation (Enabel), for their crucial role in organizing World Toilet Day. Enabel's Lasso WASH project has significantly contributed to the region by building and equipping toilets and self-contained water boreholes for schools, health centers, and public services.The event also included the distribution of cleaning, sanitation, and hygiene kits to associations, schools, and training centers in the Boromo commune.