The peripheral neighborhood of Boassa, located in the 7th arrondissement of Ouagadougou, celebrated the inauguration of three fountain taps, an achievement warmly welcomed by the local community as it addresses the water scarcity in the area. This project was initiated and implemented by the Faso Koom association with financial support from the Dutch Water Agency Hunze en Aa’s.
The ceremony, held on December 21, 2024, began with a local tradition: a welcome drink made of millet and sugar was offered to the partners as a sign of appreciation. The festivities continued with a welcoming speech from Maria NIANDA/CONVOLBO, president of the Boassa Women’s Coordination, representing the beneficiaries. She expressed the joy of the entire community regarding this initiative.
In her speech, the president stated: “It is a great joy for us. Here, our problem was water. We have had boreholes, but this time, it is clean water, water from ONEA. May God bless the partners and give them the strength to continue supporting us. What we have received is good, but if we could have more, we would not refuse. Water is life. Without water, there is no work and no life. These fountain taps are welcome, and this joy is shared by the entire community.”
The Malegue Naaba, representing the chief of Boassa, also expressed gratitude, saying: “Thank you very much to our foreign partners. May God reward you a hundredfold and help you continue to support us. These fountain taps will relieve our mothers in their water-fetching chores, but if you can add more, it would be even better.”
The donor partners also shared their sentiments regarding the completed works. Mr. Geert-Jan Ten Brink, Chairman of the Hunze en Aa’s Water Agency, affirmed: “Supporting you has become our mission. Today, we are back in your neighborhood with three fountain taps to alleviate your concerns. Together, with the help of Faso Koom and in collaboration with ONEA, we have made this possible. Water is the source of everything; water is life. Together, we can make the world a better place.”
After the speeches, a forum theater was performed to raise awareness among participants about the management of the fountain taps, with a touch of humor.
The festivities continued with the unveiling of the fountain taps, a symbolic sale of water, and tree planting by the donors. These trees, planted in honor of the retirement of the Chairman of the Hunze en Aa’s Water Agency, symbolize solidarity and a sustainable commitment between the parties.
In recognition of their support, the representative of the beneficiaries, through the Boassa Women’s Coordination, offered traditional cloth and a painting to the partners. The day concluded with an awareness session with the women and a friendly community meal, bringing the community together in a spirit of sharing and celebration.
After the ceremony, the partners visited the chief of Boassa for a courtesy call. This was an opportunity to discuss their commitment to the community. During this meeting, they explained their presence in the region and their desire to improve the living conditions of the Boassa community. The chief expressed gratitude for this initiative and emphasized the importance of collaboration between the partners and the community.
With this inauguration, Boassa takes an important step in its ongoing quest to improve access to drinking water and sanitation. These fountain taps not only provide potable water; they also symbolize the strength of the partnership between the local community, international partners, and ONEA. The Faso Koom association reiterates its commitment to continue these initiatives to improve the living conditions of the residents and strengthen solidarity.
