Burkina Faso's Minister of Construction, Mikaïlou Sidibé, has announced a new vision for urban housing in the country, emphasizing the need for high-rise construction and integrated infrastructure. During a visit to the SONATUR construction site in Bindougousso, Bobo-Dioulasso, Sidibé outlined the government's plans to build over 2,000 homes on a 25-hectare site. The project aims to densify urban centers and combat urban sprawl.
The SONATUR project involves the construction of 66 villas in the first phase, known as "Résidences Dafra," with the majority of the work completed. The minister stated that the focus is not only on building homes but also on providing essential infrastructure, including roads, sanitation, and water management systems. This integrated approach aims to create sustainable and livable communities.
According to Sidibé, the new vision for SONATUR goes beyond simply selling plots of land, instead focusing on constructing homes and promoting densification of urban centers. The minister emphasized that the goal is to build more homes at a higher density, reducing urban sprawl and promoting efficient use of land.
The project has faced some delays, but the minister announced that efforts are being made to catch up, with the aim of completing the work by mid-November 2026. Once completed, the site will provide homes for thousands of people, with all necessary infrastructure in place. The minister also inspected the construction of a cemetery adjacent to the site, which will provide dignified burial grounds for the deceased.
The SONATUR project is part of a broader effort to address the housing needs in Burkina Faso's urban areas. The minister emphasized that the government is committed to providing affordable and sustainable housing options for its citizens. The project is expected to serve as a model for future urban development initiatives in the country.
During the visit, the Director-General of SONATUR, Boureima Ouattara, reported that the project is approximately 35% complete, although the actual level of completion is estimated to be around 75%, with most of the heavy construction work finished. The site is now in the finishing stages, with work on sanitary facilities, tiling, and protective infrastructure underway.
The minister's visit to the SONATUR site was accompanied by Ousmane Ouattara, the minister and secretary-general of the Government and Council of Ministers. The visit provided an opportunity for the ministers to assess the progress of the project and discuss future plans for urban development in Burkina Faso.
Key points
- The project aims to build over 2,000 homes on a 25-hectare site in Bindougousso, Bobo-Dioulasso.
- The new vision for SONATUR focuses on constructing homes and promoting densification of urban centers.
- The project includes the construction of essential infrastructure, such as roads, sanitation, and water management systems.
