In Cotonou, Benin's economic capital, residents of vulnerable neighborhoods have experienced significant improvements in their living conditions due to the Cotonou Rainwater Sanitation Program (PAPC). This government initiative, funded by partners including the World Bank, has aimed to reduce flood risks and enhance infrastructure in areas previously plagued by flooding and poor sanitation.
Charles Hogbonouto from Sètovi in the 10th district shared his past struggles with flooding: "Our house was constantly flooded. We had to place bricks in the water to move from one area of the compound to another." Jean Gamanvo, a tailor, also described how rainstorms made roads impassable: "The flooding was extensive. Navigating the area became challenging."
The program has led to clean cobblestone streets, solar streetlights, and plant-lined sidewalks. It constructed 46 km of primary drains and 90 km of secondary drains and side channels for streets. Additionally, it paved 49 km of roads and built seven retention basins. Approximately 30 km of roads have been paved.
Cossi Kiki, head of the Sètovi district, expressed satisfaction with these developments: "What we were going through here was challenging. The neighborhood was a complete slum." Temporary solutions had failed before this initiative addressed land depressions effectively.
In several neighborhoods such as Enagnon and Akpakpa-Dodomè in the 4th district and Setovi in the 10th arrondissement, new drainage works have significantly reduced flooding impacts on residents.
Comlan Yves Christian Gnidokponou, Chief of the 10th arrondissement, noted improvements like better roads facilitating movement: "Before the project...flooding...had a negative impact on daily lives." Health benefits include declines in diarrheal diseases and malaria rates according to Judith Assavedo from Cotonou VI health zone.
Economically, shops along newly cobbled streets benefit from increased foot traffic. Yacoubou Bawa from Vèdoko district highlighted PAPC's positive impact: "His achievements have a positive impact on our daily lives."