Tenkodogo: Regional authorities, the public transport company (SOTRACO), and local stakeholders opened a workshop on Thursday to validate the new bus network in Tenkodogo. This meeting is part of the national rollout of 530 buses acquired under the presidential policy aimed at strengthening mobility and access to education. The workshop will allow for the participatory definition of the routes and infrastructure that will structure urban transport in the Nakambe region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, at the opening of the proceedings, the Director General (SG) of SOTRACO, Drissa Sawadogo, recalled that the government proceeded on January 7, 2025, to the recapitalization of the company, increasing its share capital from 800 million to 5 billion FCFA. This operation consolidated its predominantly public status. As part of the presidential initiative for quality education, 500 buses were acquired to facilitate the travel of pupils, students, and urban populations.
Mr. Sawadogo stated that these buses address issues of fluidity, road safety, pollution reduction, and lower transport costs, specifying that the majority of the equipment is already available. Tenkodogo, experiencing rapid population growth, is among the cities benefiting from the program, along with Bobo-Dioulasso, Banfora, and Kaya. According to the CEO of SOTRACO, the workshop aims to develop, in collaboration with local stakeholders, a network tailored to the needs of the population.
Representing the governor of Nakambe, the regional secretary general, Sayouba Sawadogo, welcomed the initiative, which aligns with the Head of State's vision, particularly its focus on improving urban mobility. He encouraged participants to contribute to the discussions to develop a network that meets users' needs and expressed his gratitude to SOTRACO for its efforts.
The president of the Tenkodogo special delegation, Sami Berenger Pooda, encouraged residents to adopt responsible behavior in the use of equipment and in traffic. He noted that the widespread use of two-wheeled vehicles in the municipality leads to congestion and mobility difficulties, believing that the introduction of buses will help improve traffic flow and reduce emissions.
Participants also considered the proposal of seven inter-municipal lines and four internal lines intended to strengthen mobility between Tenkodogo, Koupela, Garango, Bittou, Bagre, Gounghin, Pouytenga, and Zorgho. SOTRACO indicated that these connections will facilitate inter-municipal travel, reduce reliance on two-wheeled vehicles, and improve access to administrative, educational, and economic services. A total of 22 buses will be put into service on the various routes by January 2026.
The workshop marks an important step in the implementation of urban bus transport in Tenkodogo. The contributions gathered will help establish a coherent network serving the population and regional development.