Ganzourgou: SOMISA SA Company Delivers a Grain Mill, Production Kits, Tables and Benches to Pilaka
The High Commissioner of Ganzourgou Province, Mrs. Aminata Sorgho/Gouba, chaired on September 26, 2024, in the village of Pilaka, commune of Boudry, a ceremony to hand over a grain mill to women, kits to young people trained in 2022, and metal benches and tables to communities. Organized by the Community Relations Department of the Sanbrado Mining Company (SOMISA SA), the donation amounts to 59,427,872 FCFA.
This donation demonstrates SOMISA SA’s commitment to local development and community empowerment. The grain mill, consisting of two grinders, represents a real relief for the women of Pilaka, who will now be able to lighten their workload and generate additional income.
The High Commissioner of Ganzourgou, Ms. Sorgho/Gouba, welcomed this initiative and described it as a “symbol of economic autonomy and strengthening of local capacities”. For her, this mill will not only facilitate the processing of grains, but also the creation of new economic opportunities for the families of the village. However, she
advocated for the construction of latrines for the benefit of the women who will frequent the mill.
In addition to the mill, SOMISA SA also invested 49,086,100 FCFA for the training and installation of 60 young people from the affected villages. These young people, trained in 2022 in various trades such as masonry, welding, building and solar electricity and automotive mechanics, have finally received their professional kits, which they have been waiting for two years. These kits will allow them to start their professional activities and contribute to the local economy.
The representative of the trained young people, Harouna Dipama, expressed his gratitude to SOMISA, while noting the challenges encountered during the process of acquiring the kits, caused by a failing service provider. He praised SOMISA’s perseverance in resolving these difficulties.
The metal benches and tables, for their part, represent an investment of 2,347,500 FCFA and aim to improve the living environment of the resettled populations.
These facilities are intended to create more functional and comfortable common spaces in the villages. They play a crucial role in boosting community life, offering residents a better environment for their social and economic activities.
SOMISA’s Director of Community Relations, Assane Ouédraogo, stressed the importance of social cohesion in the initiative. ‘Social cohesion is at the heart of our mission. Together, we can build a more prosperous future for our communities,’ he said. He urged women and youth to use these tools wisely and in an exemplary manner.
The representative of the beneficiary women’s associations, Salamata Alice Rouamba, expressed her gratitude for the training and equipment received. She hoped that SOMISA would continue on this path, by increasing opportunities for women in the commune. ‘This equipment is a way for us to take care of our families,’ she said.
The representative of the resettled communities also thanked SOMISA for the metal benches and tables, which will help improve t
heir daily lives. He expressed the hope that the company will continue to support the villages to further strengthen their autonomy.
The ceremony to hand over the keys to the mill and the kits in Pilaka marks a new beginning for the beneficiaries. Through these initiatives, SOMISA SA actively contributes to improving the living conditions of women, young people and communities, while strengthening social cohesion and local economic development.
Source: Burkina Information Agency