Burkina faso: The Patte d'Oie A and Lagm-Taaba B schools, situated in Ouagadougou's 12th Arrondissement, have received new modern latrines constructed with the assistance of WaterAid. This initiative, costing over 16 million FCFA, aims to enhance hygiene and learning conditions for students.According to Burkina Information Agency, the new facilities include two blocks of latrines for each school. Each block consists of five stalls for students and two stalls for teachers. Additionally, the latrines feature a designated area for menstrual hygiene management for girls and are equipped to accommodate individuals with reduced mobility.Zalissa Paré/Salamberé, president of the special delegation of district 12, expressed gratitude for the completion of this project, emphasizing its positive impact on educational conditions. She remarked on the swift response from WaterAid, which began collaboration in December and resulted in the handover of the latrines in May. The dedicated space for menstrual hygiene managem ent is expected to help girls attend school consistently during their menstrual periods.Ms. Paré urged the school community, including teachers and students, to maintain the new structures to ensure their longevity for future generations.WaterAid Burkina Faso Country Director Lucien Damiba stated that this project aligns with the organization's mission to provide essential water, hygiene, and sanitation services to vulnerable communities. He highlighted the urgent need for climate-resilient latrines due to the challenging conditions faced by the children. The infrastructure was strategically built at an elevated level to resist flooding, a common issue in the Patte d'Oie area.Damiba detailed the financial investment, noting that approximately 16.5 million FCFA was spent on the project, with nearly 8 million FCFA allocated to the Patte d'Oie A school. The investment underscores the commitment to durable and high-quality facilities.Estelle Marie Gomgnembou/Bambara, headmistress of the Patte d'Oie A publ ic primary school, described the significant improvement the new toilets bring, alleviating the previous hardships faced by both teachers and students. She explained that prior conditions often forced individuals to seek alternatives for restroom facilities, disrupting the school day.To ensure the upkeep of the new latrines, Ms. Gomgnembou/Bambara revealed a maintenance plan involving a weekly rotation of cleaning responsibilities among classes from CP2 to CM2, excluding the youngest CP1 students.