Bobo-Dioulasso: The governor of the Hauts-Bassins region, Mariama Konaté, has called on the residents of Bobo-Dioulasso to become Volunteers for the Defense of Property (VDP) as part of a voluntary clean-up operation. The initiative, which took place from November 29 to December 1, focused on enhancing sanitation and environmental protection in the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the clean-up operation targeted public spaces such as the areas around the Sangoulé Lamizana general stadium, the Houet backwater, and the governorate. Governor Konaté emphasized the importance of ownership and citizenship, urging the local population to embody these values in their daily lives. She encouraged community members to actively participate in keeping their neighborhoods clean and to mobilize others in the effort.
The operation, known as Coup de balai bénévole, was organized by the Public Interest Group-National Volunteer Program in Burkina Faso (GIP-PNVB) in partnership with the National Office of Major
Projects of Burkina (BN-GPB). It involved 700 volunteers and was carried out in multiple regions, including Gaoua and Banfora, before reaching Bobo-Dioulasso. The initiative is currently in its pilot phase and is expected to expand nationwide by 2025.
Participants, including students like Issouf Somdo, Samiratou Kaboré, and Bembara Dieudonné Poda, expressed their commitment to maintaining a clean and healthy living environment. The operation also saw involvement from national figures such as Aristide Guel, who pledged to continue raising awareness about sanitation efforts in the city of Sya.
