Pouni: Inauguration of an ecological and sustainable school in Villy-Moukouan: The High Commissioner of the province of Sanguie, Mrs. Talari Germaine Ouoba, representing the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, presided over the inauguration ceremony of the ecological and sustainable school of Villy-Moukouan, in the commune of Pouni, on Friday, noted the AIB.
According to Burkina Information Agency, the event brought together numerous administrative, customary and religious authorities, technical and financial partners as well as the local population who gathered to celebrate the realization of this innovative project.
In the speech delivered on behalf of the Minister of Territorial Administration and Mobility, Mrs. Ouoba praised “an exemplary achievement” which reflects the government’s desire to support local authorities in the effective exercise of their powers, particularly in matters of education, local development, and regional planning. She emphasized that this school is part of the dynamic of total local public project management (MOPL), promoted by the ministry and supported by the decentralization and citizen participation support program (DEPAC).
The president of the special municipal delegation of Pouni, Mrs. Nadine Badiel, expressed her gratitude to the Swiss Cooperation, through the Support Unit for Decentralization and Citizen Participation (CADEPAC), representative of the DEPAC program, for its financial, technical and moral support.
She also praised the work of the Kere Architecture firm, headed by the internationally renowned Burkinabe architect Francis Kere, for the quality of the concept combining aesthetics, functionality and respect for the environment.
Architect Francis Kere explained that the building rests on a raised base to prevent flooding, with a large protective roof, natural ventilation, and the use of local materials such as stabilized earth (BTC) and laterite, forming a double wall that naturally regulates the interior temperature. “This building can last 60 years without major maintenance. It is designed for the comfort of students and teachers,” he assured.
For his part, the representative of Swiss Cooperation recalled that this project perfectly illustrates the principle of “win-win” and the philosophy of development driven by the communities themselves. “This school is not only environmentally friendly, it is sustainable and supported by the local population,” he said.
The school’s principal, Mr. Sawadogo Amos, said he was “filled with joy” and praised a “conducive and inspiring” learning environment that will improve academic performance. He added that the rooms, equipped with light and ventilation, will also make it possible to organize evening classes for the benefit of the population.
The ceremony concluded with a guided tour of the infrastructure, led by the architect.