The Ivorian authorities have initiated a major operation to eradicate illegal wastewater connections in the town of Séguéla. Led by the Regional Directorate of Hydraulics, Sanitation and Salubrity (DR-HAS) of Worodougou, the campaign aims to protect residents from waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera. According to Benogo Sanogo, the regional director, the operation will ensure that every household has a suitable system for managing wastewater and human waste.
The DR-HAS has partnered with local law enforcement agencies, including the national and municipal police, as well as the construction and environmental departments, to carry out the operation. In the Diomandé neighborhood, the technical brigade has already removed nearly 30 illicit connections along a 500-meter stretch. The campaign is set to continue until December 2026, targeting other neighborhoods such as Soumahoro, Binaté, and Rimer.
The operation is grounded in two key laws: the 2023 law on hygiene and salubrity (n°2023-899) and the 2025 law on sanitation and drainage (n°2025-575). These laws provide the framework for the authorities to take action against illegal wastewater connections. Local authorities, including the regional prefect and the public prosecutor, have expressed their full support for the initiative.
Residents of Séguéla have welcomed the operation, recognizing its importance for their health and well-being. Kouadio Apolline, a resident of the Soukrougban neighborhood, emphasized that "canals should no longer serve as dumpsites." The DR-HAS has called on neighborhood and household heads to help disseminate information and promote a clean and sustainable environment in Séguéla.
As part of the campaign, the DR-HAS is promoting the use of proper wastewater management systems, including septic tanks for human waste and filtering wells for wastewater. The authorities are urging residents to comply with the regulations and avoid direct connections to canals. The goal is to achieve "zero wastewater connections in canals" by the end of the campaign.
The operation has made significant progress in a short period, with nearly 30 illicit connections removed in the Diomandé neighborhood alone. The authorities are committed to continuing the campaign, with a focus on educating residents about the importance of proper wastewater management. By working together, the authorities and residents aim to create a healthier and more sustainable environment in Séguéla.
The campaign against illegal wastewater connections in Séguéla reflects the Ivorian government's commitment to improving public health and environmental sustainability. The authorities' efforts to enforce regulations and promote proper wastewater management are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of residents, particularly children, who are often most vulnerable to waterborne diseases.
Key points
- The operation aims to eliminate illicit wastewater connections in Séguéla, reducing the risk of waterborne diseases such as diarrhea and cholera.
