In Burkina Faso, the National Office of Water and Sanitation (ONEA) is struggling to recover approximately 35 billion CFA francs in overdue water bill payments. In response to this financial challenge, ONEA has partnered with the Laabal Brigade, a mixed unit of security and defense forces established to restore order, discipline, and civic responsibility in public spaces. This initiative aims to retrieve outstanding payments by enforcing public duties on defaulters.

The commander of the Laabal Brigade announced that citizens who have not settled their water bills will face consequences, including being required to participate in public works projects. This enforcement mechanism has been deemed necessary due to the financial struggles of the water supply service and the difficulties experienced in collecting overdue payments. The limited time frame given to defaulters signifies an urgent approach to address the financial problems plaguing the water supply system.

This initiative not only seeks to alleviate the financial burden on ONEA but also emphasizes the importance of civic responsibility and contributions to community welfare. As those indebted to water services are compelled to engage in community service, it raises broader discussions on public accountability and the role of government in managing public utilities effectively, especially in periods of financial distress.