KOUPELA — In a bid to protect the Naftenga dam from environmental degradation, the Nakambé Water Agency met with local residents on August 30, 2024, at the Koupéla town hall to discuss the demarcation of the dam’s perimeter.

According to Burkina Information Agency, head of the support-advice department at the Nakambé Water Agency, the initiative is a collaborative effort involving the Gourma and Liptako Water Agencies and is supported by Enabel. The meeting aimed to educate occupants about measures to prevent siltation, pollution, and other potential damages to the dam. Tankoano/Zonou highlighted the importance of local involvement in maintaining the dam’s boundaries to ensure its long-term sustainability and effectiveness.

The event was chaired by Alice Belemviré/Nikiema, President of the Special Delegation of the commune of Koupéla, and was attended by all major stakeholders, including representatives from technical services. Belemviré/Nikiema emphasized that maintaining the dam is crucial not only for Naftenga but for the broader Koupéla community, pointing out the dam’s aging infrastructure and the need for regular maintenance.

Residents of Naftenga who attended the meeting expressed their support for the initiative, acknowledging the importance of preserving the dam for future generations. The Kiendpaalgo-Naaba of Naftenga shared that they would relay the information to their communities to broaden awareness and participation in the project.

The collaboration is part of a broader effort by the Nakambé Water Agency to enhance the performance of the Naftenga dam, with additional support from Enabel under the Support Project for Strengthening the Climate Resilience of Grassroots Communities.