Senegal’s prime minister sonko demands swift completion of critical public infrastructure

Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, issued a directive to government officials on Thursday, urging them to accelerate the finalization and operational launch of public infrastructure projects currently underway across the nation.

During an inter-ministerial council meeting held in Dakar, specifically focused on infrastructure development, the head of government emphasized the urgent need to resolve administrative, financial, and technical obstacles impeding numerous strategic initiatives.

Addressing maritime and port infrastructure, Prime Minister Sonko called upon the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement all necessary measures to ensure their prompt and efficient operation, particularly through public-private partnerships.

Key infrastructure assets highlighted for immediate attention include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing wharf, the refurbished Soumbédioune landing point, and the processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the dredgers operated by the Agence nationale des affaires maritimes (ANAM) in the Kaolack and Fatick regions were also part of this crucial discussion.

The government has identified a total of 62 infrastructure projects currently facing delays. This extensive list encompasses the Université du Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Ndayane port container terminal, cold storage facilities, and the memorial dedicated to the tragic sinking of the vessel “Le Joola.”

The reconstruction efforts for the Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital in Dakar are also among the vital projects impacted by these ongoing blockages.

According to Prime Minister Sonko, a dedicated committee will be established to inventory infrastructure and monitor the decisions made during the inter-ministerial council. This body will be tasked with implementing the necessary financial, administrative, and legal actions to revitalize and conclude these essential projects.

Ousmane Sonko affirmed that the completion of these infrastructure developments would strictly adhere to all required quality standards and cost parameters.

The Prime Minister further stressed the importance of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning stages of public projects. He instructed ministers to ensure better consideration for technical equipment, operational models, and the long-term sustainable maintenance of these infrastructures.

Regarding the youth and citizenship centers under construction in several localities, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, the Prime Minister set a deadline of November 30, 2026, for their full equipment and operational launch.

The inter-ministerial council also reviewed progress on the “Naatangué” village farms and several agro-industrial hubs currently being developed in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.

Ousmane Sonko urged the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to establish sustainable operational models for these agro-industrial infrastructures, ensuring both their profitability and social utility.

The Prime Minister also explored various options for leveraging public infrastructure, such as leasing, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, or other forms of public-private partnerships designed to attract new investments.

National stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, natural reserves, and the real estate assets of Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad were also discussed during this government meeting.

Finally, the head of government directed the relevant public entities to propose mechanisms for the recycling and valorization of state-owned real estate and land assets, including those held by the armed forces, to optimize their utilization for the national interest.