In a bold move to address housing shortages and improve living conditions, Burkina Faso’s President Ibrahim Traoré has initiated the construction of 1,000 social housing units. Launched on July 12, 2024, approximately 40 kilometers from Ouagadougou, this project aims to provide shelter for internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by ongoing security challenges. The initiative underscores President Traoré’s commitment to ensuring that every Burkinabè has access to adequate housing by 2030.

The housing units are strategically distributed across various regions to maximize impact:

Centre-North Region: 800 units spread across four sites.

Ouahigouya (North Region): 100 units.

Nagréongo (Plateau-Central Region): 50 units.

Bobo-Dioulasso (Hauts-Bassins Region): 50 units.

The total cost of the project is estimated at approximately 5.23 million CFA francs (around $8,500).

In line with his vision, President Traoré has emphasized that funding for these housing projects will not involve deductions from citizens’ salaries. Instead, his administration is focusing on streamlining government expenditures to reallocate resources toward essential infrastructure and social programs. On November 4, 2024, he directed his ministers to review departmental spending, aiming to reinvest savings into critical areas such as housing, potable water, and food security.

This approach marks a significant shift from previous proposals. In December 2022, the government considered a 1% deduction from public and private sector workers’ net salaries to fund security initiatives, specifically to support the Volunteers for the Defence of the Homeland (VDP). However, the current housing initiative relies on optimizing existing resources without imposing additional financial burdens on the populace.

President Traoré’s dedication to enhancing public infrastructure is further evidenced by reforms introduced in December 2024. These reforms position the Ministry of Housing at the forefront of all public project phases, ensuring that constructions adhere to stringent technical, environmental, and safety standards. This strategy aims to enhance the quality and longevity of public works, maximizing the impact of public investments for the benefit of all Burkinabè citizens.

Through these concerted efforts, President Traoré envisions a future where every citizen has access to quality housing, contributing to the nation’s sustainable development and social well-being.