Ouagadougou: Authorities launch a campaign to clear the right-of-way of public roads The President of the Special Delegation (PDS) of the Koudougou municipality, Amde Par, accompanied by the Director General of The National Office for the Control of Development and Construction (ONC-AC), Souako Kohoun, launched a vast awareness campaign on Tuesday aimed at freeing up public road rights-of-way from any illegal occupation.

According to Burkina Information Agency, this operation is conducted in close collaboration with the Regional Directorate of Construction and aligns with the Ministry in charge of construction's objective to secure the population and improve traffic flow in urban centers. Amde Par, the PDS of Koudougou, highlighted that illegal road occupations violate regulations and pose constant dangers, accidents, and congestion that affect the safety and living conditions of citizens.

The campaign's initial phase targets three main arteries in Koudougou: the mission's main route, Dreux Avenue leading to the police station, and the Ro road. Souako Kohoun, Director General of ONAC, emphasized the national scope of this initiative, which has already been launched in Ouahigouya and Ziniar. He clarified the necessity of the measure as a complete clearing of the public right-of-way rather than just a minor adjustment.

In response to concerns from traders and business promoters, Kohoun reassured them about the State's educational approach. He stated that awareness-raising is prioritized to help them identify new installation sites, with continued support from authorities in a gradual manner.

Regarding claims of permits by some occupants, the PDS noted that these are often "precarious permits to occupy the public domain," which do not override public safety and building regulations. Following this awareness phase, an official statement will announce a deadline for final evictions, marking a step towards respecting urban planning and modernizing urban roads in Koudougou.