Tchériba:The High Commissioner of the Mouhoun Province, Bassouleymane Ouattara, has called on beneficiaries of Enabel's projects to ensure regular maintenance of drinking water and sanitation infrastructure. Speaking in Tchériba during an event marking International Handwashing Day, he emphasized the importance of sustaining these facilities to preserve the benefits for the local population.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the celebration included visits to projects by the Belgian Agency for International Cooperation (Enabel), focusing on access to drinking water, hygiene, sanitation, and health services. Delegations from several communes, including Boromo, Dédougou, Douroula, Safané, Sibi, and Tchériba, attended the event.
Participants had the opportunity to explore various infrastructures developed with Enabel's support, such as latrines designed for young girls' needs at Tchériba departmental high school and modern boreholes in local schools. These initiatives aim to improve hygiene conditions and reduce school absences related to inadequate sanitary facilities.
The President of the special delegation of Tchériba commune, Ouesseni Logora, expressed appreciation for these projects, highlighting their role in preserving the dignity of young girls and the wider community.
In education, public primary schools in Tchériba have benefited from boreholes with modern pumping systems, enhancing sanitary conditions for students and local residents. Hyacinthe Philibert Coulibaly, Regional Director of Preschool, Primary, and Non-Formal Education in Bankui, praised these investments and urged effective management to maximize their benefits.
Enabel's support extends to the health sector through the Lasso WASH and Lasso Santé projects, which focus on rehabilitating and equipping health centers. Mamadou Diakité, head of the Lasso WASH project, mentioned that nearly 8 billion FCFA is being mobilized to improve access to drinking water and health services.
Dr. Nathalie Ouadeba, chief medical officer of the Dédougou health district, noted that Enabel's contributions have enabled the full equipping of the Tchériba laboratory, enhancing its capacity for complex medical examinations.
The event also featured a handwashing competition, where the municipality of Dédougou was named "Champion Municipality of Change." Sibi received an honorable mention, while other municipalities were recognized with participation certificates.
High Commissioner Ouattara commended Enabel's partnership and urged ongoing maintenance of the infrastructure to ensure lasting benefits. Enabel is also planning a project to connect households to the drinking water network in Tchériba, with completion expected in 2027.