FADA N’GOURMA, BURKINA FASO — A group of journalists from various media outlets embarked on a press caravan from June 24 to 27, 2024, to examine the infrastructure developments achieved by the Emergency Territorial Development and Resilience Program (PUDTR) in Fada N’Gourma, focusing on advancements in health, education, and sanitation.

According to Burkina Information Agency, the PUDTR infrastructure assistant for the Eastern region, the program has implemented significant infrastructural enhancements in Fada N’Gourma, including 29 kilometers of paved roads, equipped with solar street lights and gutters, and 47 kilometers of water evacuation canals. The developments span the 11 sectors of the city, totaling an investment of 22 billion FCFA.

The press tour included visits to several key facilities, such as the newly constructed Listening and Reception Center for victims of Gender-Based Violence (GBV), which can accommodate up to 100 people and is still expanding with an administrative building for the Regional Directorate of Social Action. The journalists also inspected the Fada multipurpose hall, a 1,000-capacity venue costing approximately 2.5 billion FCFA, which features accessible ramps for people with reduced mobility, latrines, meeting rooms, and hangars.

Martial Wilfried Bassole, the PUDTR Coordinator, reported that around 30 billion FCFA were allocated to projects within the commune of Fada N’Gourma and 60 billion across the Eastern region. These investments aim to bolster the resilience of populations facing insecurity challenges.

Further visits by the journalists included the standardized Urban Medical Center in sector 1, which now features enhanced hospitalization rooms and an autonomous water station. They also toured the Early Learning and Preschool Education Center in sector 3 and a market in sector 7 undergoing reconstruction, which will house over 200 shops, a police station, an infirmary, and four restaurants.

The PUDTR’s impact extends beyond infrastructure to supporting local income-generating activities (IGA). Bassole highlighted the technical and financial assistance provided to 13 associations, including those comprising internally displaced persons (IDPs). Associations like Otayiénou in Gulmu and Teeg-wendé, composed of displaced women in Gourma, have received training and funds to enhance their production of local goods, thereby improving their economic and living conditions.

Fatimata Lompo, leader of the Otayiénou association, expressed gratitude for the support received, which included 2,999,000 CFA francs and equipment valued at 11 million FCFA. She noted the transformative effect this assistance has had on their ability to sustain their families.