Sangui©: The National Food Security Stock Management Company (SONAGESS) began on Monday in R©o, in the Sangui© province, an operation to sell food at social prices to the population, in order to contribute to the fight against the high cost of living and to strengthen food security.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the sale began around 8 a.m. and mainly involved rice and millet. A 25-kilogram bag of broken rice was sold for 8,000 FCFA, long-grain rice for 10,000 FCFA, and a 50-kilogram bag of millet for 14,000 FCFA.
Mr. Rodrigue Bayala, the head of social affairs for the municipality of R©o, who was present at the site, noted that these prices are lower than those charged on the local market. "The price of rice sold here at 8,000 francs is slightly lower compared to the market price, which is around 9,000 to 10,000 francs. As for millet at 14,000 francs, it is also below the market price," he stated.
He specified that the available stock is limited to 10 tons of millet and 5 tons of rice, and that sales will continue until stocks are depleted. "Sales are authorized for any resident of the commune of R©o with a valid national identity card. Stock is very limited, so we urge the public to come and obtain it quickly," he added, while emphasizing that radio announcements and messages via WhatsApp groups are being disseminated to reinforce the information.
Ms. Dorcas Bayala expressed her gratitude to the authorities. "This aid truly allows people to feed themselves. Before, prices were high, but with SONAGESS, we are better able to meet food needs," she stated.
Mr. Drissa Bationo, an agent at the Sangui© Provincial Directorate of Education, echoed this sentiment, stating that the operation was a relief for households. "When you go to the market, broken rice can cost 12,000 or even 13,000 francs in some shops. Here, we have it for 8,000 francs. It's truly very socially beneficial and encouraging for the people," he asserted.
In this period marked by Lent and tensions on the prices of basic necessities, this operation by SONAGESS thus provides concrete support to households in the commune of R©o.