Ouagadougou: The Belgian Development Agency (Enabel), with backing from the European Union, has initiated two significant projects, “Lasso Sant©” and “Lasso WaSH,” aimed at enhancing the health system and improving access to clean water, hygiene, and sanitation services in the Boucle du Mouhoun region. The combined value of these projects exceeds 7 billion FCFA.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the projects were officially launched on January 10, 2025, in Boromo during a workshop led by the region’s governor, Pierre Bassinga. The event saw participation from key officials from technical and financial partners. Enabel Burkina Faso programme manager Jozef Noordholland De Jong stated that the European Union has reaffirmed its trust in Enabel by providing financial support for these initiatives.
The Lasso Sant© and Lasso WaSH projects, valued at 7,281,122,700 CFA francs, are designed to bolster the resilience of health services and expand access to essential water, sanitation, and hygiene facilities. They target the health districts of D©dougou and Boromo, focusing primarily on women, young girls, internally displaced persons, and host communities.
Enabel reports that existing challenges hinder access to basic social services, pressing on available resources and creating inequalities that affect the quality of life for the concerned populations. To address these, Enabel organized a launch workshop with backing from the European Union, gathering executives from various ministries, civil society, NGOs, and diplomatic representatives.
The Enabel representative acknowledged progress in health and WaSH areas despite ongoing challenges. Enabel’s commitment to supporting Burkina Faso’s development was reaffirmed by Jozef Noordholland De Jong, who thanked the technical and financial partners for their collaboration.
The Boromo workshop highlighted the projects and sought stakeholder engagement for effective execution. Presentations by Project Managers Nyambr© Antoine and Sawadogo Issiaka detailed the 48-month implementation plan. Discussions followed, underlining the initiatives’ importance and potential social benefits.
Marc Duponcel, Head of Cooperation of the European Union Delegation in Burkina Faso, emphasized the EU’s support for diverse projects enhancing socio-economic resilience. He expressed optimism about the swift availability of project services for beneficiaries.
Governor Pierre Bassinga affirmed the alignment of the projects with Burkina Faso’s development goals and applauded the EU-Burkina Faso partnership. He assured regional administrative support for project implementation, highlighting the potential for substantial, lasting change through collective effort.
Since 1999, Enabel has facilitated cooperation between Burkina Faso and Belgium, executing EU-funded programs with local and international partners.
