Togo / President Faure Gnassingbé is transforming the Savannahs: a significant step forward thanks to the Emergency Programme to Strengthen the Resilience of Populations (PURS)

The Emergency Programme for Strengthening the Resilience of the Populations of the Savanes Region (PURS), launched in early 2022 under the impetus of President Faure Gnassingbé, is proving to be a transformative initiative, giving new impetus to the lives of the inhabitants of the most disadvantaged region. With an investment of more than 50 billion CFA francs, PURS has already produced impressive results after almost two years of implementation.

One of the most significant achievements of PURS is in the water sector. Thanks to the actions taken, almost 80.000 new people now have access to safe drinking water. This improvement has led to a significant increase in rural coverage, from 64 per cent in 2021 to 73.5 per cent in 2022.

In the field of energy, the results are also positive. The average rate of access to electricity reached 66 per cent, with an increase in rural electrification reaching an additional 15.000 households. The overall rate increased from 22% in 2021 to 27% in 2022.

The Government has extended its efforts to the agricultural sector with the development of more than 1.000 hectares of lowland and the distribution of more than 21.000 tons of food fertilizer to farmers. Irrigation kits were also provided to support drilling in several localities, enhancing food security in the region.

The opening up of the region has been facilitated by a significant improvement in the network of rural trails, which is essential for the marketing of agricultural products. There has been an increase of 15 to 20 per cent in the quality of these infrastructures, enhancing connectivity and local economic development.

Building on these encouraging results, the Government has committed to expanding PURS to other regions. A recent decree established the Emergency Programme for Strengthening the Resilience and Security of Communities, covering the entire national territory.

This ambitious initiative aims to replicate the success achieved in Les Savanes, thus demonstrating President Faure Gnassingbé’s ongoing commitment to improving the lives of the entire Togolese population.

Justine AKO.