Official groundbreaking ceremony of the New Embassy Compound in Ouaga 2000

On April 1, 2008, the US Ambassador to Burkina Faso, Her Excellency Mrs. Jeanine Jackson, chaired the official groundbreaking ceremony of the New Embassy Compound located next to the Burkina Faso Ministry of Agriculture, Water and Fisheries Resources in Ouaga 2000. 

The ceremony was attended by the Prime Minister, His Excellency Mr. Tertius Zongo, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Minister of Housing and Town Planning, the Mayor of the Capital City, Representatives of Diplomatic Corps and International Institutions.

In her speech, Ambassador Jackson explained that the U.S. government will spend about CFA 33 billions 110 millions Francs in the New Embassy Compound, which is a tangible proof of the U.S. government’s commitment towards excellent diplomatic relations between the two countries.  In addition to the New Embassy compound project, the United States of America, through the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC), has already financed the construction of 132 schools complexes to support girls’ basic education.  The MCC is looking forward to signing a five-year agreement of over CFA 210 billions Francs to develop agriculture, education, infrastructure, land reforms projects in Burkina Faso.

American and Burkinabè employees of the U.S. Embassy attended the ceremony during which the Deputy Director of Overseas Building Operations, Mr. Joe Toussaint, explained that the New Embassy Compound will have advanced security and environmental technological systems such as auto-power generation system, water heating solar system, used water recycling system for irrigation, and natural light filters inside the building, which  will ensure a safer, modern and comfortable work environment for employees.

Before closing the ceremony, the Deputy Director of Overseas Building Operations offered to the Prime Minister, a symbolic coin with the Department of State seal on one face and an embassy building on the other, which symbolizes the strong and positive relations between the United States and Burkina Faso.  Finally, the Prime Minister and Ambassador Jackson unveiled the New Embassy Compound  interior and exterior plans.

All of the speakers expressed their satisfaction on this project, which demonstrates the strong bilateral relations between Burkina Faso and the United States of America.