On the occasion of World Ocean Day, Monday, June 8, 2026, the Ivorian Prime Minister, Dr. Beugré Mambé, visited Braffédon (Grand-Lahou commune) to officially hand over several major infrastructure projects. Developed within the framework of the West Africa Coastal Areas Management Program (WACA), these projects mark a decisive turning point in the fight against climate change in Côte d'Ivoire.

A 48 billion CFA project to transform the region

Faced with coastal erosion and rising sea levels that had threatened local populations for decades, the Ivorian government and its partners deployed significant resources. Funded to the tune of 48 billion CFA francs , the WACA project boasts impressive results:

1. Stabilization of 7 km of coastline to slow the advance of the sea.
2. Restoration of 14 hectares of mangroves , a vital ecosystem for biodiversity.
3. Protection and strengthening of the resilience of more than 150,000 inhabitants.

Infrastructure to secure and revive the local economy

In concrete terms, the ceremony made it possible to deliver the new river mouth as well as three strategic boat landing quays located in Braffédon, Lahou-Kpanda and Singapore.

According to the Prime Minister's office, these works aim for a threefold objective:

1. To sustainably secure residential areas against coastal risks.
2. Facilitating daily activities, including fishing and river transport.
3. To permanently improve the living conditions of local communities by preserving their sources of income.

"This story has entered a new chapter with the official handover of the new river mouth and the boat landing quays," the Head of Government said in front of local authorities and the beneficiary populations.

A call for gratitude and sustainable development

During his speech, Dr. Beugré Mambé urged the residents to take care of these investments and to express their gratitude to the Head of State: "Gratitude or recognition is the key that opens the doors of the divine (...) That is why I would like (...) to say a big thank you to the President of the Republic Alassane Ouattara."

In conclusion, the Prime Minister reaffirmed that this achievement is part of the government's long-term vision: to build a sustainable development model capable of protecting the most vulnerable populations from the environmental challenges of our century.