Kongoussi, The Association for Peace and Solidarity (APS) announced the launch of a hygiene and sanitation project aimed at benefiting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the communes of Kongoussi and Bourzanga. The project was launched on October 17, 2023, presided over by the High Commissioner of Bam province, Adama Jean Yves Béré. The ceremony was also attended by the national coordinator of APS, Kevin Ouédraogo, and project manager Vanessa Kaboré.
According to News Releases by Burkina Information News Agency, the project, dubbed the “Integrated Humanitarian Assistance Project for People Affected by the Security and Food Crisis in the Communes of Kongoussi, Bourzanga,” has a budget of 500,000 US dollars. It is set to last for 12 months and aims to construct and rehabilitate boreholes for water access in both Kongoussi and Bourzanga.
Kevin Ouédraogo elaborated that the APS chose these particular communes due to the evident need. He stated that unlike last year, when the focus was solely on IDPs, this year’s project will encompass host communities as well. The project will primarily address WASH (Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene) issues, with additional economic support directed towards women.
Vanessa Kaboré, the project manager, outlined that the project will be structured in two parts: the first concentrates on water, hygiene, and sanitation. “We plan to drill two boreholes, rehabilitate three more, construct 25 latrines, and rehabilitate another 150,” she said. The second component is focused on combating gender-based violence, with planned forum theaters and awareness spaces in both municipalities.
To overcome the challenges posed by Bourzanga’s inaccessibility by land, the project plans to use air transport in partnership with a company.
Abel Dayamba, the president of the special Kongoussi delegation, expressed his gratitude towards APS for selecting his commune and pledged support for the project’s implementation. According to Dayamba, Kongoussi has a pressing need for improved hygiene and sanitation infrastructure.
High Commissioner Adama Jean Yves Béré urged all project partners to work synergistically to ensure the project’s effective execution for the benefit of the affected communities.
The APS is carrying out this project with financial backing from the Regional Humanitarian Fund for West and Central Africa (FHRAOC).