Bobo-Dioulasso: Residents of Bolibana, in the urban commune of Bobo-Dioulasso, in the Hauts-Bassins region, expressed their approval of the Burkinabe government's initiative to construct rainwater drainage structures, which they believe will provide much-needed relief during the rainy season.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Prime Minister Rimtalba Jean Emmanuel Ou©draogo officially launched the Secondary Cities Mobility and Urban Development Project (PMDUVS) on Saturday, April 5, 2025. The project will be implemented in three regions of Burkina Faso: Hauts-Bassins, Centre-Nord, and Nord, with a specific focus on sector 23 of Bobo-Dioulasso, particularly in Bolibana.
The PMDUVS aims to benefit the towns of Bobo-Dioulasso, Kaya, and Ouahigouya. This initiative has been well-received by the local population and students, who believe it will alleviate flooding issues during the rainy season. The project, with an estimated cost of approximately 33 billion CFA francs, is expected to be completed in 12 months and is financed by the State and the World Bank.
Ams©tou Belem, a 4th-grade student at D¶ High School and a local resident, highlighted that the water drainage project would prevent flooding in Bobo-Dioulasso. She expressed gratitude to the government for the urban development project that stands to benefit the local population. Similarly, Abdoul Akim, a Year 11 C student at the same high school, emphasized the project's benefits in improving living conditions, noting that the construction of a water collector would facilitate access to their courtyard during the rainy season.
Another resident, Daouda Sawaodogo, welcomed the initiative, stating that it would end the community's struggles. He noted the safety concerns and difficulties in maintaining homes during rainfall, and he expressed optimism that the construction of a water collector would ease access to classes.
Souleymane Ou©draogo, the principal of the D´ public high school, expressed satisfaction with the project's commencement. The high school had been divided by a ravine caused by water runoff from an old canal, hindering access to classes during rainfall. He remarked that the project was timely in providing relief to sector 23 residents and the educational community of D¶ high school.
The principal further explained that the canal's construction would significantly reduce water runoff at the school, addressing issues that had prevented the school from being used as an examination center due to difficult access. He also called for local authorities' support to address the ravine issue, which had disrupted educational activities.
The D¶ high school, located in Bolibana in sector 23 of Bobo-Dioulasso, accommodates 1,300 students across 14 classrooms.