As the rainy season approaches, Mahamat Assileck Halata, Chad’s Minister of Territorial Planning, Urbanism, and Habitat, undertook a critical field tour on June 25, 2026. The minister’s objective was to thoroughly inspect various installations of the Integrated Project for Flood Control and Urban Resilience (PILIER) across N’Djamena. This extensive visit aimed to gauge the progress of ongoing work and confirm the operational readiness of these vital structures designed to shield the capital from seasonal deluges. This initiative highlights the government’s proactive stance on urban resilience in West Africa.

The ministerial delegation meticulously surveyed a series of key sites. Their itinerary included the Lamadji pumping station, situated within the 10th district municipality, followed by the Chagoua municipal hangar. They also examined the N’Djari canal, the drainage systems near Toumaï Palace, the city’s wastewater treatment facility, the Pedro development area, and ongoing road improvement projects. A stop at the 7th district municipal hangar provided an opportunity to review the equipment and resources deployed for flood mitigation efforts.

Minister Halata emphasized that this comprehensive tour forms part of the government’s ongoing commitment to monitoring initiatives aimed at lessening the risks associated with adverse weather conditions. He recalled a recent evaluative meeting held after previous rainfall events, which assessed the condition of infrastructure developed with significant backing from the World Bank. While at the Lamadji pumping station, the minister expressed strong disapproval regarding the theft of crucial electrical cables that power some of the facilities. He specified that these valuable components had been cut and removed by unidentified individuals.

Despite this act of vandalism, Minister Halata reassured the public that the pumping station remains functional. He confirmed that four other pumps are still actively operating, ensuring continued service. “Even with the cable theft, the station continues its work. The available equipment ensures we can pump water effectively when needed,” he stated.

He further disclosed that new replacement cables have already been procured, again with the vital support of the World Bank. These are anticipated to arrive by July 1, with technical officials predicting installation could be completed within one to two days thereafter. The inspection continued to the Sabangali pumping station and then to the generator workshop serving the 10th district’s pumping stations. The tour concluded in the Toukra-Mousgoum neighborhood, where the minister met with residents whose homes had been demolished by the 9th district municipality. During this meeting, he offered assurances regarding the reconstruction and rehabilitation of their dwellings, underscoring the government’s commitment to its citizens.

Minister Halata clarified that this inspection mission is crucial for authorities to verify that all PILIER project infrastructure will be fully operational. The ultimate goal is to significantly reduce the risks of flooding and bolster N’Djamena’s urban resilience throughout the upcoming rainy season. He confidently affirmed, following his on-the-ground observations, that all systems are indeed functioning effectively.

In closing, the minister reiterated the government’s unwavering dedication to infrastructure projects and comprehensive stormwater management. He underscored their indispensable role in safeguarding communities and persistently enhancing the living standards of the population in Chad, a key focus in African politics and development today.