Water supply and sanitation in Burkina Faso

Flag of Burkina Faso

Water supply and sanitation in Burkina Faso refers to the provision of drinking water and the management of wastewater in the West African country of Burkina Faso. The country faces significant challenges in both urban and rural areas due to its landlocked position, limited water resources, and economic constraints.

Overview

Burkina Faso is a landlocked country in West Africa with a population of approximately 20 million people. The country experiences a tropical climate with a distinct dry season and a rainy season, which affects water availability. The capital city is Ouagadougou, and other major cities include Bobo-Dioulasso and Koudougou.

Water Supply

The water supply in Burkina Faso is managed by the National Office for Water and Sanitation (Office National de l'Eau et de l'Assainissement, ONEA). The organization is responsible for the distribution of drinking water in urban areas and the development of water infrastructure.

Urban Areas

In urban areas, water supply systems include piped water networks, boreholes, and wells. The coverage of piped water supply is higher in cities like Ouagadougou and Bobo-Dioulasso, but many urban residents still rely on alternative sources such as public standpipes and water vendors.

Rural Areas

Rural areas face more significant challenges in accessing clean water. Many rural communities depend on hand-dug wells, boreholes, and rainwater harvesting systems. The government, along with various non-governmental organizations (NGOs), has been working to improve rural water supply through the construction of new boreholes and the rehabilitation of existing water points.

Sanitation

Sanitation services in Burkina Faso are less developed compared to water supply. The majority of the population lacks access to improved sanitation facilities, leading to public health concerns.

Urban Sanitation

In urban areas, sanitation infrastructure includes sewer systems, septic tanks, and pit latrines. However, the coverage of sewer systems is limited, and many households rely on on-site sanitation solutions. The management of wastewater and solid waste remains a challenge due to inadequate infrastructure and financial constraints.

Rural Sanitation

Rural sanitation is characterized by the widespread use of open defecation and basic pit latrines. Efforts to improve rural sanitation include the promotion of Community-Led Total Sanitation (CLTS) programs, which aim to eliminate open defecation and encourage the construction of improved latrines.

Challenges

Several challenges affect water supply and sanitation in Burkina Faso, including:

• Water scarcity due to climatic conditions and limited natural water resources.
• Financial constraints that hinder the development and maintenance of infrastructure.
• Population growth and urbanization that increase the demand for water and sanitation services.
• Public health issues related to inadequate sanitation and poor water quality.

Government and International Support

The government of Burkina Faso, through ONEA and other agencies, has been working to improve water supply and sanitation services. International organizations such as the World Bank, UNICEF, and various NGOs also provide support through funding, technical assistance, and capacity-building programs.

See Also

• Water supply and sanitation in Africa
• Water resources management in Burkina Faso
• Public health in Burkina Faso
• Infrastructure in Burkina Faso