Guiriko: Residents of sector 3 of Bobo-Dioulasso have been carrying out gutter cleaning operations for several weeks now to improve sanitation and preserve traffic routes in their neighborhood.

According to Burkina Information Agency, every Sunday morning, men, women, and young people mobilize to clear the gutters blocked by garbage and sand. Jean Marie Amidou Sanou, one of the organizers, explained that the initiative aims to prevent flooding that hits the neighborhood during the rainy season.

“The gutters are clogged, causing water to stagnate and damaging our roads. Rainwater has already caused a lot of damage. So we decided to go out every Sunday to clean the gutters,” Sanou elaborated.

Residents say they have sought support from the highway department, which has provided them with wheelbarrows and shovels to carry out the work. Once cleared, the rubbish is reused to fill potholes on the area’s roads. This citizen initiative, welcomed by local residents, contributes to improving the living environment and reducing flood risks.

The organizers invited other parts of the city to draw inspiration from their actions in order to preserve urban infrastructure and public health.