Bam:Minister Ismal Sombi has voiced his dissatisfaction with the progress of the Lake Bam restoration project, which was originally scheduled to complete its first phase by July 2025.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the Minister of State and Minister of Agriculture, Water, Animal and Fisheries Resources expressed concern during his recent visit to the site. He was dismayed by the state of the structures and the lack of progress, particularly given the financial investment made. He criticized the quality of the work and delays in developing the surrounding areas.

Commander Sombi emphasized the potential of Lake Bam, noting that it could irrigate about two thousand hectares, yet the project has failed to irrigate even the surrounding areas. He has instructed his technical services to review all project files to consider restarting under the department responsible for Agriculture.

The minister also called for the verification of compensation for affected individuals and clearing of the riverbanks. Additionally, he suggested marking the easement area with trenches and ordered the removal of a shelter from the building housing the water pumping generator to restore its original purpose.

The project, initiated in March 2017 by former President Roch Marc Christian Kabor©, aims to restore the lake and promote agro-sylvo-pastoral activities. Funded by the West African Development Bank, it includes raising the dam's edge and developing 522 hectares of irrigated land. However, despite a project steering committee acknowledging delays in January 2024 and setting a revised deadline for July 2025, no area is currently usable.