Government assesses flood prevention systems ahead of rainy season

With the rainy season approaching, Chad’s Minister of Urban Planning and Housing, Mahamat Assileck Halata, conducted a comprehensive inspection on June 25, 2026, of key components of the Integrated Project for Flood Control and Urban Resilience (PILIER) in N’Djamena. The primary objective was to verify the operational status of flood mitigation infrastructure throughout the capital.

The ministerial delegation visited multiple critical sites including the Lamadji pumping station in the 10th arrondissement, Chagoua warehouse in the municipality, N’Djari canal, Toumaï Palace drainage systems, wastewater treatment facilities, the Pedro construction site, and roadworks across the city. A special stop was made at the 7th arrondissement warehouse to review flood defense equipment and preparedness measures.

Addressing the team during the tour, Minister Halata emphasized that this inspection aligns with ongoing government efforts to minimize flood-related risks. He noted that a recent evaluation meeting followed heavy rainfall to assess the condition of Bank-funded infrastructure. At Lamadji pumping station, the minister condemned the theft of essential electrical cables that power critical flood control systems. He reported that valuable cables were deliberately cut and removed by unidentified perpetrators.

Despite this sabotage, the minister confirmed that the station remains fully operational. “The theft of cables didn’t halt operations. We have four active pumps that continue to function effectively, ensuring timely water evacuation,” he stated. He further announced that replacement cables have already been procured with World Bank support, with delivery scheduled for July 1st and installation expected within 1-2 days.

Comprehensive infrastructure review continues

The inspection continued to Sabangali pumping station and generator workshops in the 10th arrondissement before concluding in the Toukra-Mousgoum neighborhood. Here, the minister met with displaced residents whose homes were demolished by municipal authorities in the 9th arrondissement. He reassured them about government plans to reconstruct their housing and restore their livelihoods.

The Housing Minister stressed that this inspection ensures all PILIER project components will function optimally during the upcoming rains, thereby enhancing N’Djamena’s urban resilience. “Field assessments confirm that systems are performing as intended,” he noted. He concluded by reaffirming the government’s unwavering commitment to flood management infrastructure and urban water systems, highlighting their crucial role in safeguarding communities and improving quality of life.