Government urged to prioritize infrastructure delivery
In a decisive move to accelerate Senegal’s development agenda, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a directive to all ministers, emphasizing the urgent completion and commissioning of ongoing infrastructure projects across the country.
The call came during a high-level interministerial council meeting held in Dakar, where Sonko stressed the need for immediate action to unlock 62 stalled projects that span multiple sectors.
Maritime and port infrastructure take center stage
The Prime Minister specifically highlighted maritime and port facilities, urging the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to expedite the operationalization of several critical projects. These include:
- The Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port expansion
- The upgraded Ndangane Sambou fishing wharf in the central region
- The Soumbédioune landing point renovation
- Processing sites in Rufisque, located in western Senegal
- The maritime agency’s dredging operations in Kaolack and Fatick regions
A comprehensive action plan for stalled projects
Sonko emphasized that a dedicated committee will be established to oversee the resumption and completion of these projects, ensuring strict adherence to quality and cost benchmarks. The committee will also address technical requirements for essential utilities:
- Water supply networks
- Electrical systems
- Telecommunication infrastructure
The Prime Minister called for sustainable operational models, proper maintenance frameworks, and adequate equipment provisions to guarantee long-term viability of these infrastructures.
Youth and citizen centers face deadline
Among the projects requiring immediate attention are seven youth and citizen centers under construction in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda. Sonko set a strict deadline of November 30, 2026, for their completion and equipment finalization, involving the Ministries of Youth, Finance, Budget, and Local Governments.
Agricultural and agro-industrial projects prioritized
The interministerial meeting also addressed eleven Naatangué village farms in Fatick, Kaolack, Louga, Thiès, and Tambacounda regions, along with agro-parks in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko encouraged ministers to collaborate with private partners to develop sustainable exploitation models that align with local community needs.
Exploring innovative funding mechanisms
To enhance resource mobilization, the Prime Minister proposed examining various valorization options for infrastructure assets, including:
- Long-term leases
- Public-private partnerships
- Concessions
- Administrative reallocation
- Rehabilitation programs
This approach applies to youth centers, digital open spaces, women’s centers, and agro-parks, among others.
Sporting and environmental infrastructure not overlooked
Sonko extended his directives to national stadiums and other sports facilities, recommending public-private partnerships where feasible to optimize their utilization. He also called for similar strategies for national parks including Niokolo-Koba, Hann, Saloum Delta, and Djoudj, as well as urban reserves at Technopole and Lac Rose.
Diplomatic and public assets targeted for optimization
The Prime Minister mandated the Ministry of African Integration, Foreign Affairs, and Senegalese Abroad to develop mechanisms for valorizing or recycling diplomatic and consular properties abroad, balancing national interests with host country regulations. An urgent interministerial meeting is planned to establish a comprehensive asset valorization doctrine.
Similarly, Sonko directed relevant ministries to address the optimization of assets held by La Poste, railway and airport authorities, highways, public universities, hospitals, and military properties, exploring private sector involvement where appropriate to maximize their potential.
