This section intends to cover urban history, policies and issues that Burkina Faso (former Upper Volta) experienced and still experience in various areas: demography, health, education, trade, transportation, and the sociocultural, political and economic dynamics and processes that have shaped urban development in the country. It will also foster discussions on precolonial cities, colonial urban policies, as well as post-colonial urban policies. Last, but not least, it will examine current major urban policies implemented in the country such as Grand Ouaga project, Project ZACA, ZAD (Zone d'Activités Diverses), 10000 logements, the relocation of Ouaga Airport, the relocation of the disaster-stricken populations by the September 1st major flood, etc.
Some quick statistic overview on urbanization in Burkina by the UN-Habitat 2001 estimates:
Urban population: 17%
Slum to urban population: 76%
Annual population growth rate: urban (4%); slum (4%)
Slum indicators: % population with access to:
- Safe water source: 84% - Improved sanitation: 35% - Sufficient living area: 84% - Durable housing: 92%