The government of Côte d'Ivoire has taken a significant step towards sustainable water management with the creation of a Local Water and Sanitation Committee for the Loka River basin. This development follows a workshop held in Sakassou from October 1 to 2, 2026, which brought together stakeholders to discuss the importance of integrated water resource management. The committee's establishment is part of a broader project supporting reforms aimed at promoting Integrated Water Resource Management in Côte d'Ivoire, particularly in the Haut-Bandama hydrographic basins.
The project, led by the Directorate for Protection and Development of Water Resources, aims to enhance the management of water resources in the region. According to Dr. Kouamé Kouassi Auguste, Director of the Protection and Development of Water Resources, the creation of the committee is a crucial step towards achieving this goal. The committee will comprise representatives from deconcentrated public administration, regional departments, territorial collectivities, and users of the basin's resources.
The Local Water and Sanitation Committee for the Loka River basin is structured around three main organs: the General Assembly, the Executive Bureau, and the Control Unit. This organization seeks to bring together various stakeholders concerned with water and sanitation management, promoting their participation in decision-making and actions related to water resource protection. The committee's responsibilities are focused on three key areas: water resource management, sanitation, and cooperation with sectoral structures.
In terms of water resource management, the committee is tasked with promoting concerted management through awareness-raising activities, information sharing, training, and on-the-ground actions. Additionally, it will initiate activities to promote, protect, and restore public water domains. The committee will also focus on sanitation, raising awareness among populations about the risks of open defecation, promoting latrine construction, and protecting the quality of water in the Loka River basin.
The committee's third main responsibility is to develop cooperation with other Local Water and Sanitation Committees, deconcentrated administrative structures, decentralized collectivities, and basin-level organizations. This cooperation aims to ensure a cohesive approach to water resource management and environmental preservation. The workshop in Sakassou provided a platform for stakeholders to contribute to the creation of this concertation and management body.
The Prefect of Sakassou Department, Bonaventure Tiégbé, commended the Directorate for Protection and Development of Water Resources and its team for their work during the workshop. He also praised the participation of stakeholders in the discussions that led to the committee's establishment and wished the new structure success in its mission. The creation of the Local Water and Sanitation Committee for the Loka River basin marks a significant milestone in Côte d'Ivoire's efforts to manage its water resources sustainably.
The committee's establishment is expected to have a positive impact on the region, promoting a more integrated approach to water resource management and environmental preservation. By bringing together various stakeholders, the committee will facilitate concerted decision-making and action, ultimately contributing to the sustainable development of the Loka River basin. The government of Côte d'Ivoire is committed to supporting the committee's activities, ensuring the effective management of water resources in the region.
Key points
- The Local Water and Sanitation Committee for the Loka River basin was created to promote concerted management of water resources and environmental preservation.
- The committee is structured around three main organs: the General Assembly, the Executive Bureau, and the Control Unit.
- The committee's responsibilities focus on water resource management, sanitation, and cooperation with sectoral structures.
