Côte d’Ivoire builds latrines to reduce open defecation in Hambol region

Hélène Bragori, the director of Assainissement, led a public awareness session in Katiola to promote improved sanitation in the Hambol region of Côte d’Ivoire.

She represented the minister of Hydraulique, Assainissement et Salubrité, Amédé Koffi Kouakou, during the meeting. The initiative focuses on teaching vulnerable households how to properly use and maintain new latrines to prevent health risks associated with open defecation.

The Project for the Improvement of Access to Water and Sanitation (PASEA) aims to build 5,000 improved family latrines in local areas including Katiola, Fronan, Timbé, Niakara, and Arikokaha. This effort is part of a larger national program to construct 40,000 sanitation structures across 11 regions of the country. The project also seeks to create economic opportunities for local artisans and young people through construction activities and related trades.

The ministry states the initiative follows the directives of President Alassane Ouattara to improve living conditions and prevent diseases caused by a lack of proper sanitation.