Senegal’s Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, issued a directive on Thursday, urging government officials to accelerate the completion and operationalization of public infrastructure projects currently underway across the nation. This push aims to enhance the country’s development trajectory and streamline public services.
During an interministerial council meeting in Dakar, specifically convened to address infrastructure challenges, the head of government emphasized the critical need to swiftly resolve administrative, financial, and technical hurdles impeding several strategic undertakings. These blockages have slowed progress on vital national assets.
Regarding maritime and port facilities, Prime Minister Sonko instructed the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement all necessary measures for their rapid and efficient utilization. This includes exploring public-private partnerships to optimize their operation and maximize their economic impact.
Key maritime infrastructures under scrutiny include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing dock, the developed Soumbédioune landing point, and the processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the dredgers managed by the National Agency for Maritime Affairs, stationed in the Kaolack and Fatick regions, are part of this comprehensive review.
Overall, the government has identified 62 public infrastructure projects facing delays. This extensive list encompasses significant developments such as the University of Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Ndayane port container terminal, essential cold storage facilities, and the memorial dedicated to the “Le Joola” ferry tragedy.
The critical reconstruction of the Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital in Dakar also features prominently among the projects experiencing these operational setbacks, highlighting the broad scope of the challenges faced.
To tackle these issues effectively, Prime Minister Sonko announced the establishment of a dedicated committee. This body will be tasked with inventorying all infrastructure projects and monitoring the implementation of decisions made by the interministerial council. Its mandate includes proposing the necessary financial, administrative, and legal actions to revive and finalize these crucial initiatives.
Ousmane Sonko reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that the finalization of all infrastructure projects will strictly adhere to the highest standards of quality and cost efficiency, guaranteeing value for the nation.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning phases of all public projects. He directed ministers to ensure a more comprehensive approach to technical equipment provision, operational models, and the long-term sustainable maintenance of these infrastructures.
For the youth and citizenship centers under construction in various localities across the country, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, Prime Minister Sonko set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for their complete equipping and commissioning.
The interministerial council also reviewed the progress of the “Naatangué” village farms and several agropoles currently under development in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.
To ensure the long-term viability of these agro-industrial infrastructures, Ousmane Sonko instructed the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners. The goal is to define sustainable operating models that ensure both profitability and significant social utility for these vital rural development initiatives.
The Prime Minister also explored various strategies for enhancing the value of public infrastructures. These options include rental agreements, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, and other forms of public-private partnerships designed to attract new investments and foster economic growth.
Discussions during the governmental meeting also extended to national stadiums, various sports facilities, national parks, natural reserves, and the real estate assets belonging to Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad, underscoring a holistic approach to national asset management.
Finally, the head of government called upon 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. This initiative aims to optimize their utilization for the broader national interest, further strengthening the African economy and governance in Senegal.
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