Flood Prevention in Ouagadougou: Everyone Must Do Their Part

Ouagadougou is once again grappling with the aftermath of heavy rains, as neighborhoods like Nagrin and Bonheur ville find themselves submerged. This recurring annual deluge highlights a persistent failure to learn from past mistakes, with residents experiencing flooding year after year.

The city's infrastructure appears ill-equipped to handle the seasonal downpours. Blocked canals, often cleared but with the debris left behind, and roads built without proper water drainage exacerbate the problem. Existing canals, where they exist, frequently seem inadequate, quickly overwhelmed by rising waters.

"Le Fou," the author, urges a critical examination of the relationship between sanitation, urban planning, and the living environment, suggesting that sustainable flood solutions lie in this reflection. While authorities have taken steps, including creating the "Brigade Laabal" to combat urban disorder and adopting an "Emergency Plan 2026" for flood prevention, the problem persists.

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For me, the Fou, we must truly question our relationship with sanitation and our living environment, because the sustainable solution to floods lies in this reflection.

Despite these efforts, the recurrent flooding serves as a stark reminder that more work is needed. The article stresses the importance of respecting safety instructions during the rainy season to prevent tragedies. It calls for proactive measures, including improving existing canals and constructing new ones where needed, emphasizing that flood control is a long-term battle requiring action before and during the rainy season.

Beyond public works, the piece calls for civic responsibility from residents. Proper waste disposal and using designated trash bins are crucial. The author argues that relying solely on the state is a contributing factor to the floods and that populations must adhere to municipal guidelines. Respecting regulations concerning flood-prone areas and safety measures could avert the annual tragedies that negatively impact numerous families.

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Waiting for everything from the state is also one of the causes of floods.