Kaolack is currently hosting a capacity-building workshop for journalists specializing in the water, hygiene, and sanitation (WASH) sector. It was initiated by the Framework for Reflection and Action of Journalists on Hygiene, Water, and Sanitation (CRAJHEA), in collaboration with the International Budget Partnership (IBP).

This event brought together around twenty journalists from the Kaolack, Fatick and Kaffrine regions, with the aim of improving the quality of information produced on issues such as access to drinking water, hygiene practices and sanitation challenges.

During this workshop, participants had the opportunity to exchange ideas, strengthen their skills, and explore best practices in communicating these critical issues for public health and sustainable development. This commitment to educating and raising awareness among journalists is an important step toward better governance and greater citizen awareness of the environmental issues that directly affect them.

According to Moussa Thiam, coordinator of the journalists' association, "for several years, we have noticed that most of the information on these subjects is reserved for journalists in Dakar. However, the populations most affected are in the regions."

Indeed, the water and sanitation sector is undergoing profound reforms announced by the government. It is therefore important to strengthen the capacities of journalists, particularly in terms of investigation, so that they can better monitor and analyze funding and implemented policies. This information work is essential to ensure accountability and transparency.

Access to water and sanitation remains a major challenge. As we know, water is vital: each person consumes an average of 80 liters per day. But nearly 80% of this water is released into the environment. Without adequate infrastructure to treat it, this can become a real source of health problems. It is impossible to talk about sustainable development without addressing sanitation. Failure to invest in this sector today has serious consequences.