Boussouma: As part of its Peace and Development project for internally displaced persons and vulnerable hosts (PADEP), the NGO HELP has delivered crucial water and sanitation infrastructure to the residents of Santena and Kaya. The handover took place on July 10, in the municipalities of Boussouma and Kaya, marking a significant step in supporting internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities in the region.
According to Burkina Information Agency, since 2021, HELP has been collaborating with regional authorities in the Sahel, North, and Centre-North to enhance resilience among IDPs, host populations, and basic social services through its Soonr© and PADEP projects. The recent handover includes an autonomous water station (PEA) with a flow rate of 3 m³/h for the village of Santena, another with a flow rate of 4 m³/h for the district of Po©dogo in Kaya, and a fully equipped hospitalization room for the Medical Center in sector 1 of Kaya.
The Health and Social Promotion Center (CSPS) in Sector 7 of Kaya also received a dispensary with medical-technical equipment. The official handover of this facility is currently underway, as confirmed by the PADEP/HELP project manager, Mahamadi Belem. Each PEA, valued at 11.8 million CFA francs, is equipped with essential infrastructure, including a water tower, solar field, and standpipe.
The autonomous water stations in Santena and Po©dogo aim to mitigate conflicts between host communities and IDPs by providing reliable access to water. The hospitalization room at the Kaya Medical Center, valued at over 26.5 million CFA francs, includes various medical facilities, while the CSPS dispensary in sector 7 costs 24.4 million CFA francs and is similarly equipped to improve healthcare services.
Joint technical monitoring committees, comprising municipal and regional technicians and HELP/APIL NGOs, have been established to ensure the sustainable management of these infrastructures. According to Mahamadi Belem, the construction of these facilities is funded by the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) with approximately six billion CFA francs. The project aims to reinforce resilience, peace, and social cohesion within communities.
Mahamadi Belem expressed gratitude to the RFA and assured that the PADEP project will continue until December 2027, focusing on enhancing health infrastructure, constructing sanitation facilities, market areas, and promoting social cohesion.
Beneficiaries expressed appreciation for the infrastructure. Pascaline Kombamtanga, secretary of the Po©dogo PEA management committee, highlighted how the waterworks would ease the burden on women and girls. Jos©phine Ou©draogo, head of the Santena women’s association, noted the reduction in conflicts over water access and emphasized the importance of managing the PEA effectively.
The High Commissioner of Sandbondtenga, Idrissa Gamsonr©, acknowledged the impact of these infrastructures on basic social services and urged effective management. Dr. Lamine Ou©draogo, head physician of the Kaya Health District, noted the improvements in patient care and the relief these facilities provide to the Kaya Regional Hospital.
In terms of grievances, MCD Ou©draogo requested additional facilities like an X-ray department and an operating theatre for the CM. Similarly, Jos©phine Ou©draogo called for the construction of a CSPS in Santena to ease the community’s burden, especially during the winter months.