Senegal’s prime minister ousmane sonko pushes for swift completion of national infrastructure

SENEGAL-GOVERNMENT

Dakar, May 21 – Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, recently issued a clear directive to his government, urging ministers to prioritize the rapid completion and operationalization of all ongoing infrastructure projects within their respective departments. This crucial mandate was delivered during an interministerial council meeting focused on the nation’s infrastructure development.

In a document released by the Prime Minister’s Office following the council, Sonko specifically addressed the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy. He called for immediate action to ensure the diligent and appropriate exploitation of maritime and port facilities, emphasizing the potential for leveraging public-private partnerships (PPPs) to achieve this goal.

Among the key maritime infrastructures slated for expedited completion are the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing dock in the central region, the upgraded Soumbédioune landing point, and the vital fish processing sites in Rufisque, located in western Senegal. Additionally, the dredges operated by the National Agency for Maritime Affairs in the Kaolack and Fatick regions of central Senegal are also part of this focused drive.

The government has identified a significant backlog of 62 infrastructure projects currently facing delays. This extensive list includes the Sine-Saloum El Hâdj Ibrahima Niass University, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis and Matam in the north, and Kolda in the south. Also impacted are the container terminal at Nadayane port in the west, numerous cold storage facilities, and the poignant “Le Joola” ferry memorial.

Prime Minister Sonko also highlighted the reconstruction of Dakar’s Aristide-Le-Dantec Hospital as another critical project among those stalled.

Ensuring Uncompromised Quality Standards

To address these challenges, a new committee will be established. This body will be tasked with inventorying all ongoing infrastructure projects and meticulously monitoring the implementation of measures decided during the interministerial council. Its primary objective will be to implement the necessary financial, administrative, and legal frameworks to restart and finalize all stalled projects.

The Prime Minister affirmed a steadfast commitment to ensuring that the finalization of all 62 identified projects adheres strictly to