The Office National de l'Eau et de l'Assainissement (ONEA) in Burkina Faso has issued a warning to its clients about an individual impersonating one of its agents. According to a communiqué released on October 28, 2026, the imposter has been wearing a blue uniform marked "ONAB" and deceiving the public. The ONEA urges everyone to be cautious and verify the identity of individuals claiming to work for the office.
The ONEA was alerted to the situation through a publication showing the individual in question. As a result, the office is advising its subscribers and the general public to be vigilant and to facilitate the work of authorized ONEA agents. These agents are responsible for ensuring the continuity of services. The ONEA has provided guidelines on how to identify genuine agents.
To identify legitimate ONEA agents, the public can look for specific markers on their uniforms and identification badges. Genuine agents wear a blue uniform with the ONEA logo, which differs from the "ONAB" marking on the imposter's uniform. Permanent agents have a professional badge featuring their photograph, while contract agents have a badge indicating their status as "Contractuel," along with a badge number and the agency they are attached to.
The ONEA advises its subscribers not to hesitate to verify the identity of anyone claiming to work for the office, especially if they are visiting homes or neighborhoods. If there is any doubt or suspicious behavior, the public is encouraged to contact ONEA's competent services via phone at 80 00 11 11 or through WhatsApp at 52 20 20 85.
The warning comes as part of the ONEA's effort to protect its clients and ensure that its services are delivered effectively. The office is counting on the vigilance and cooperation of the public to achieve this goal. By being aware of the situation and taking steps to verify the identity of agents, clients can help prevent potential scams or fraudulent activities.
The ONEA's proactive approach aims to maintain trust between the office and its clients. By promptly addressing the issue and providing clear guidelines on identifying genuine agents, the ONEA is demonstrating its commitment to transparency and accountability. This move is expected to reassure clients and enhance the overall efficiency of the office's operations.
The incident highlights the importance of verification and vigilance in interactions with utility service providers. Clients are encouraged to stay informed and report any suspicious activities to the relevant authorities. Through such collaborative efforts, the ONEA and the public can work together to ensure the smooth delivery of essential services in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- ONEA advises clients to verify the identity of agents visiting their homes or neighborhoods.
- Genuine ONEA agents can be identified by their uniform and specific markers on their badges.
- Clients can report suspicious activities to ONEA's competent services via phone or WhatsApp.
