Burkina Faso: Persistent delay on Agricultural Project near Sindou Peaks despite commander Sombié’s directives
The agricultural project near the Sindou Peaks, despite the directives from Commander Sombié, still appears to be facing difficulties, over 30 days after his controversial visit. Florent Badabouè Bazié, the governor of Cascades, observed on Thursday that the work is still lagging behind.
As part of the 2023-2025 agropastoral offensive launched by the Transition President, Agriculture Minister Commander Ismaël Sombié initiated the work on January 15, 2024, to develop 280 hectares on the slopes of the Sindou Peak over a period of 5 months.
However, after only 2 months and 9 days, the work is facing challenges, as observed by Governor Florent Badabouè Bazié during an unannounced visit on March 21, 2024. The progress rate of the work is estimated at only 7.2%, with a consumed delay of 46%.
When questioned about the actions taken to address the situation, the site manager mentioned doubling machinery, personnel, and even implementing night shifts. However, the governor expressed skepticism about the effectiveness of these measures, noting that the delay persists despite apparent efforts.
The governor set a firm deadline for the company, demanding that the site be operational no later than May 31 to allow producers to start their agricultural activities. He emphasized that previous recommendations have not been sufficiently taken into account, warning of consequences if the situation does not improve.
Furthermore, during his visit, the governor also inspected the Douna lowland developed by the Plain Development and Enhancement Project of Léraba (PAVAL), where work is progressing at a faster pace, with a progress rate of 20% and a consumed delay of 17.80%. He encouraged the responsible company to maintain its efforts.
These initiatives are part of the agropastoral offensive, aimed at developing Burkina Faso’s agricultural regions, with projects like PRéCA and PAVAL contributing to the resilience and well-being of local populations.
