Ousmane sonko urges Senegal ministers to bolster flood prevention efforts

SENEGAL-SECURITE

Dakar – With the impending rainy season, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a strong call to action, directing all relevant government ministers to implement crucial measures for effective flood prevention across Senegal.

During a recent session of the Council of Ministers, the Prime Minister conveyed explicit instructions, emphasizing the necessity for robust preparedness. He specifically mandated the immediate execution of several vital initiatives.

These directives encompass the comprehensive updating and validation of all communal emergency response plans. Concurrently, ministers are tasked with verifying the operational readiness of early warning systems and ensuring the reliability of communication channels, which are critical components for timely responses to potential flooding.

Furthermore, ministers received instructions to strategically pre-position essential intervention resources. They are also required to organize a comprehensive inter-ministerial simulation exercise, a crucial drill scheduled to take place before June 15, 2026, designed to test and enhance coordination protocols.

Prime Minister Sonko acknowledged and commended the diligent preparatory work already underway by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, alongside other state departments. Their proactive engagement in clearing drainage networks, meticulously inspecting existing infrastructure, pre-positioning vital pumping equipment, and developing robust emergency plans is considered fundamental to the nation’s overall strategy.

Recognizing the inherently collaborative nature of flood prevention, Mr. Sonko strongly encouraged all state services to work in perfect synergy. This unified effort will be coordinated by the Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with essential support from the Ministry of Interior, particularly for all aspects related to civil protection and comprehensive crisis management.