In a bid to understand the challenges faced by local communities, Guinean parliamentarian Koné Hawa Diarré embarked on a visit to several areas in the Kankan region, including Kouroulamani-Kassa and Sabadou-Baranama. The visits, which formed part of her parliamentary recess activities, enabled her to engage directly with local populations, elders, women, youth, and local authorities. These interactions provided an opportunity for her to gather firsthand information on the primary concerns of the communities.
The visit commenced in Kouroulamani-Kassa, a district located approximately 36 kilometers from Kankan city. Here, Diarré and her delegation were warmly received by local populations. In discussions with local leaders, Saran Touré Laye Condé, president of the Kouroulamani-Kassa district, highlighted several pressing issues, including the lack of access to potable water, educational challenges, and a shortage of healthcare equipment. He expressed the community's gratitude for her visit and outlined their needs.
Diarré responded to these concerns by committing to personally involve herself in finding solutions, particularly to the issue of accessing potable water. She promised to contribute to the realization of a borehole project aimed at improving the community's water supply. Following Kouroulamani-Kassa, the delegation proceeded to Sabadou-Baranama, about 75 kilometers from Kankan, where infrastructure challenges, especially road conditions, were a significant focus of discussion.
In Sabadou-Baranama, Lasso Condé, a local resident, drew attention to the difficulties faced by users on certain road axes, particularly during the rainy season. He lamented the loss of life due to accidents on these routes and emphasized the importance of constructing infrastructure that would facilitate better water evacuation and reduce travel difficulties. The local authorities also presented their priorities for the development of the newly established prefecture.
Hawa Woularé, vice-mayor of Sabadou-Baranama, outlined several key requests aimed at supporting the prefecture's growth. These included the construction of an administrative block, a modern high school, a central market, and the rehabilitation of existing infrastructure. The local authorities also sought the establishment of youth and women's empowerment centers, along with recreational spaces.
Health, road infrastructure, employment, and training were among the critical areas discussed. Local authorities called for strengthened healthcare services, improved existing infrastructure, and the availability of medical equipment. They also emphasized the need for accelerated road construction and the creation of employment opportunities and vocational training centers.
At the end of her visit, Diarré expressed satisfaction with her engagements, stating that she would ensure the concerns of the populations were transmitted to the relevant authorities. She reassured the communities of her commitment to being their advocate and to working closely with them to address their challenges.
Key points
- Koné Hawa Diarré's visit highlighted the critical needs of local communities in Kankan, including access to potable water, improved education and healthcare, and enhanced infrastructure.
- The parliamentarian's engagement demonstrates her commitment to understanding and addressing the concerns of her constituents.
- The visit underscored the importance of community engagement in the development process, aligning with the mission of parliamentarians to connect with and represent the needs of the people.
