The Société Nationale d'Aménagement des Terrains Urbains (SONATUR) is pushing forward with its projects in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso. On October 2, 2026, a delegation led by Minister of Construction Mikailou Sidibé visited several sites to assess the progress of ongoing projects. The visit included the Dogona site, where SONATUR has invested in social infrastructure to improve living conditions for residents. A health center and school have been built, and the health center recently received medical equipment worth 13 million FCFA.
At the Dogona site, the school is set to benefit from additional support, including the construction of a perimeter fence and a borehole. The school also received a financial contribution of one million FCFA to support its operations. These initiatives complement previous interventions by SONATUR, which have improved access to clean water and electricity in certain areas of Bobo-Dioulasso. According to SONATUR's Director-General, Boureima Ouattara, the health center and school have received significant support to enhance their services.
The delegation then visited the DAFRA residential site, where SONATUR is undertaking a large-scale housing project. The first phase involves constructing 66 extensible villas, with the main works completed and teams working on finishing tasks. Minister Mikailou Sidibé emphasized that this project should serve as a starting point for a more extensive housing program, including a second phase focused on apartment construction. The two initial phases aim to deliver nearly 1,000 homes.
The DAFRA project encompasses not only housing construction but also infrastructure development, including paved roads, a rainwater drainage system, and access to clean water and electricity. However, the delegation noted delays in the execution of viabilization works, and efforts are expected to be made to complete them by mid-November. SONATUR's Director-General reported that the project's physical progress stands at 35%, but estimated the actual progress to be around 75%, considering the completion of main works.
The DAFRA site covers an area of 25 hectares, and the housing program could eventually exceed 2,000 homes. The project aims to create a modern and structured residential area, contributing to the commune's development. Bobo-Dioulasso is serving as a laboratory for SONATUR's new urban development model, which combines urban planning, social responsibility, and housing development.
According to the President of the Bobo-Dioulasso Special Delegation, Koutoukou Laurent Kontogom, the project holds particular interest for the commune, as it is expected to give rise to a modern and structured residential space. The SONATUR projects in Bobo-Dioulasso demonstrate the organization's commitment to driving urban development and improving living conditions for residents.
The projects also align with SONATUR's goal of providing affordable housing and promoting sustainable urban development. With the DAFRA project and other initiatives, SONATUR is working to address the housing needs of Bobo-Dioulasso's growing population. The organization's efforts are expected to have a positive impact on the city's development and residents' quality of life.
Key points
- SONATUR is investing in social infrastructure and housing development in Bobo-Dioulasso.
- The DAFRA project aims to deliver nearly 1,000 homes in its first two phases.
- The projects are part of SONATUR's efforts to drive urban development and improve living conditions in Bobo-Dioulasso.
