The Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, Mikaïlou Sidibé, representing Prime Minister Jean-Emmanuel Ouédraogo, inaugurated the Tanghin drain in Ouagadougou’s 4th district on Friday, October 10, 2025. This project marks a major step in the capital’s sanitation policy, which often faces flooding during the rainy season.

The Ouagadougou Sanitation and Drainage Project (PADO), a jointly funded project by the Burkinabe government and the European Union, required an investment of more than 8 billion CFA francs. Led by the Municipal Agency for Major Works (AMGT), it aims to sustainably reduce flood risks in the northern part of the city.

The President of the Ouagadougou Special Delegation (PDS), Maurice Konaté, detailed the main achievements, including the construction of a 4-kilometer-long reinforced concrete canal, a 155,000 m³ retention basin, the paving of three lanes, and the development of 7 hectares of market gardening. In addition to these infrastructures, there are green spaces, sports facilities, and a modern public lighting network.

In total, 265 lampposts were installed along the canal, 6 kilometers of gutters were dug, and 53 benches were built to secure the surrounding area. Four boreholes, a grove of 5,000 trees, and a multi-sports ground complete the complex.

The European Union, a committed partner

Hoping for greater ownership of the work by local residents, Maurice Konaté called for responsibility. “We must all be careful not to damage what has been built. Any act of vandalism or pollution will now be punished without tolerance ,” he said. He also recalled that this initiative is part of the Ouagadougou Sustainable Investment Program (PIDO), valued at more than 3,000 billion CFA francs, in accordance with the vision of the President of Faso, Captain Brahim Traoré.

Minister Mikaïlou Sidibé praised the coordinated work between the city hall, technical and financial partners, and the local population. He recalled that the drain was designed to facilitate rapid water evacuation and prevent recurring flooding. “I urge local residents to take care of this jewel and protect it from any act of degradation,” he urged.

Relief for local populations

The European Union (EU) Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Philippe Bronchain, expressed the EU’s pride in supporting this project. This achievement, he said, illustrates concrete cooperation in the service of the population. He added that the project has created local jobs and strengthened urban resilience. “We are pleased to contribute to sustainable actions that directly improve the lives of residents,” he said, while reiterating the Union’s commitment to supporting other sanitation projects in the country.

For the residents of Tanghin, this project represents a real turning point. Residents’ representative, Mahamadi Nikiéma, did not hide his satisfaction. “Before the construction of this canal, our daily lives were marked by fear and uncertainty. Every rainy season, our homes were flooded, the floods swept away our belongings, destroyed our roads, and made life unbearable. But thanks to this canal, the waters are now under control, our roads are passable, our homes are protected, and we can finally live with dignity,” he said.

As a reminder, the Ouagadougou Sanitation and Drainage Project (PADO) is a continuation of the feasibility studies carried out for the development of the Tanghin central area, accompanied by its master plan. The latter was integrated into the Land Use Plan (POS) adopted by the municipal council on April 11, 2025.