Ouagadougou: On the social level, C©dric Jonathan KI, head of the environmental and social department, recalls that several infrastructures were built within the framework of the Environmental and Social Management Plan (ESMP). These were four health and social promotion centers, seven drinking water supply systems, thirty-eight boreholes equipped with human-powered pumps, and six rural roads were built for the benefit of the affected populations.
According to Burkina Information Agency, two major projects were announced by the coordinator for this year 2025. These include the implementation of an agro-industrial zone in Bama, with 100 hectares already secured and 466 currently being mobilized with support from the National Office of Major Projects of Burkina. Additionally, a pilot tourism project is set to launch on the dam sites, where 11 developers have begun construction work on restaurants and leisure activities. A study is underway to assess the full tourism potential of the site, while 1,500 hectares are being developed for hydro-agricultural projects, with advanced studies for expanding to 5,000 hectares and a planned extension to 10,000 hectares. The goal is to support agribusiness and strengthen national food sovereignty.
However, financing remains a challenge. The PDIS, currently funded by the state, is considering a change of status to attract more partners and raise the 1,098 billion CFA francs needed to fully develop the valley. It should be noted that the development of the Samend©ni Valley is a significant economic development project for the whole of Burkina Faso, particularly benefiting the Hauts-Bassins and Boucle du Mouhoun regions.
The effectiveness of the initiative depends on the full implementation of all components of the program. This operationalization will only be possible if all stakeholders agree to support the coordination of the program in its new resource mobilization strategy.