Ganzourgou: Faced with weather forecasts announcing high risks of flooding during this rainy season, the High Commissioner of Ganzourgou Province, Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, chaired an exchange meeting with all stakeholders concerned, in order to develop prevention and response strategies.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the meeting, held in the meeting room of the Zorgho High Commission, brought together the heads of special delegations, traditional and religious authorities, directors and heads of technical services, and leaders of civil society organizations. Together, they discussed urgent measures to address the predicted climate hazards.
Meteorological services have indicated that this rainy season promises to be particularly active, with risks of natural disasters. “All stakeholders must be informed and prepare accordingly,” insisted the High Commissioner. She mentioned the first visible effects, particularly in certain villages in the commune of Zoungou, affected by the rains of May 13.
Major concerns include the presence of homes in flood-prone areas and the poor condition of some dams, as well as the obstruction of stormwater drainage channels. Urgent action is therefore needed to minimize potential damage.
With a view to prevention, the participants made several recommendations, including the systematic cleaning of gutters, the prohibition of occupying flood-prone areas, and the intensification of awareness campaigns among the population. It will also involve closely monitoring weather reports, implementing emergency response plans, identifying reception areas for potential disaster victims, and regularly disseminating useful information.
Concrete actions to be taken also include strict compliance with the 100-meter easement strip for water bodies and continued awareness-raising among the population to adopt good behavior.
The meeting was also an opportunity for the High Commissioner to announce that the regional special delegation had acquired tractors, two of which were made available to the province for paid ploughing at a rate of 35,000 CFA francs per hectare.
Finally, the provincial director of Water and Forests, Sayouba Sigu©, shared information on National Tree Day, scheduled for June 21. According to him, the 2025 edition will be marked by strong initiatives such as: “One province, one grove of medicinal plants,” “One school, one grove,” and “One department, 2 km of alignment plantings.” More than 5 million trees are expected to be planted as part of the national campaign called “The President’s Time to Green Faso.”
The authorities have called for everyone to mobilize around these initiatives, which help to strengthen the resilience of populations in the face of climate change.