In a bold move to address the nation’s housing crisis, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has launched a comprehensive FREE housing initiative aimed at providing shelter for the country’s most vulnerable populations, including internally displaced persons (IDPs) and low-income citizens. As of May 2022, more than 1.9 million people were internally displaced, intensifying the demand for adequate housing solutions.
✊🏿 A Vision for Universal Housing by 2030
President Traoré’s administration has set an ambitious goal: to ensure that every Burkinabè has access to adequate housing by the year 2030. This vision materialized with the commencement of a project on July 12, 2024, approximately 40 kilometers from the capital, Ouagadougou. The project focuses on the construction of 1,000 social housing units, distributed as follows:
* 800 units in the Centre-North Region
* 100 units in Ouahigouya (North Region)
* 50 units in Nagréongo (Plateau-Central Region)
* 50 units in Bobo-Dioulasso (Hauts-Bassins Region)
✊🏿Job Creation for Local Communities
This ambitious housing initiative is not only about providing shelter but also about creating jobs for the local population. The construction of 1,000 housing units will directly employ thousands of local workers, including builders, electricians, plumbers, carpenters, and laborers. Additionally, local businesses supplying building materials such as bricks, cement, wood, and paint will see increased demand, further boosting the economy.
Training programs are also being introduced to ensure that local workers gain new skills, making them employable even beyond this project. These initiatives are expected to contribute to long-term economic growth, particularly in regions where job opportunities have been scarce.
✊🏿Expanding Affordable Housing Options
In addition to the free housing initiative, Burkina Faso has introduced affordable housing programs like the Wassa Program and developments in Komssilga. These programs aim to provide low-cost housing options for citizens over 18 years old, allowing them to subscribe and pay over time.
📰 Sources: African Business | Architectural Digest
🎥 Video: @wotw3soblog
