Ousmane sonko urges swift completion of key Senegal infrastructure projects

Dakar, Senegal – Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has called upon government ministers to significantly accelerate the completion and operationalization of public infrastructure projects currently underway across Senegal. His directive, issued during an interministerial council meeting focused on infrastructure in Dakar, underscores a national push for development.

During the crucial session, the head of government emphasized the urgent need to dismantle administrative, financial, and technical barriers that are impeding numerous strategic initiatives. This move aims to unlock progress on vital projects essential for Senegal’s growth.

Addressing maritime and port infrastructure, Prime Minister Sonko specifically tasked the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy with ensuring their rapid and efficient exploitation. He highlighted the potential for public-private partnerships as a key mechanism to achieve this goal and boost the maritime sector.

Among the critical maritime facilities under review are the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing dock, the developed landing point at Soumbédioune, and the processing sites in Rufisque. Additionally, the dredgers operated by the National Agency for Maritime Affairs in the regions of Kaolack and Fatick are also part of this expedited plan.

A comprehensive review by the government revealed a total of 62 infrastructure projects currently facing delays. This extensive list includes significant undertakings such as the Université du Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Ndayane container terminal, cold storage facilities, and the memorial dedicated to the tragic “Le Joola” ferry disaster.

The vital reconstruction of the Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital in Dakar also features prominently among the projects affected by these operational bottlenecks, highlighting a critical need for resolution in the healthcare sector.

To tackle these challenges, Prime Minister Sonko announced the establishment of a dedicated committee. This body will be responsible for inventorying all infrastructure and meticulously monitoring the decisions made during the interministerial council, with a mandate to implement necessary financial, administrative, and legal measures to relaunch and finalize these essential projects.

Sonko reassured the public that the finalization of these infrastructures would strictly adhere to all required quality standards and cost efficiencies, ensuring prudent management of public resources.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister stressed the importance of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning phases of all public projects. He instructed ministers to prioritize robust technical equipment, sustainable operational models, and long-term maintenance strategies for these assets.

Regarding the youth and citizenship centers under construction in multiple localities, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, the Prime Minister set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for their complete equipping and commissioning.

The interministerial council also addressed the “Naatangué” village farms and several agropoles undergoing development in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao, recognizing their potential for rural economic development.

Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko urged the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to define sustainable exploitation models for these agro-industrial infrastructures, ensuring both profitability and social utility for local communities.

The discussion further explored various options for valorizing public infrastructure, such as leasing, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, or other public-private partnership arrangements designed to attract new investments and maximize asset utility.

Other critical areas reviewed during the governmental meeting included national stadiums, various sports infrastructures, 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 directed 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, with the aim of optimizing their use for the national interest and fostering sustainable development across Senegal.