In Sénégal, a significant signal has been sent with the groundbreaking ceremony for a new development: high-end studios and villas at Lac Rose are now available for off-plan purchase. Despite fierce local opposition, construction for this ambitious ‘green city’ project is poised to begin.

In recent hours, Ibrahima Mbaye, president of the Arr Lac Rose collective (meaning ‘protect Lac Rose’ in Wolof), has been tirelessly working to halt the state-backed initiative. Through social media campaigns, on-site gatherings, and direct appeals to authorities, Mbaye continues to advocate for the preservation of the site. He argues that this development poses a severe threat to the area’s delicate ecosystem, which acts as a vital natural barrier against the ocean. Furthermore, he highlights the potential devastation for approximately 6,000 workers whose livelihoods are intricately tied to the lake’s health, including salt collectors, restaurateurs, and tourism operators.

Mbaye expressed skepticism regarding the project’s moniker. « Even the name ‘green city’ is an attempt to mislead the public, suggesting an intelligent, ecological city. We, the residents here, know this is impossible on this site. We have sand dunes, we have the protective band of trees planted against coastal erosion and sea encroachment. People don’t visit to see imposing buildings that completely disfigure Lac Rose. This means there will be no more tourists, » he stated emphatically.

In response to the growing concerns, the communications team for the Egyptian company Casa Orascom confirmed that the project is indeed proceeding as planned. The multinational developer asserts its commitment to environmental responsibility, claiming it is « capable of building while preserving » in line with ecological agreements made with the Senegalese government. Casa Orascom also announced projections for the creation of 20,000 direct and indirect jobs stemming from the construction phase.