A comprehensive review of Senegal’s public infrastructure projects has uncovered 245 assets and initiatives that remain either unused, incomplete, or underutilized. The findings, presented during a high-level interministerial council meeting chaired by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko, highlight critical gaps in project execution and asset management nationwide.
The assessment categorized these projects into four distinct groups based on their current status. The first group comprises 30 completed infrastructures that have not yet been commissioned, with 25 of these facing operational blockages. These stalled projects represent a frozen investment of 279 billion West African CFA francs and include 15 classified as high-priority due to their financial impact and urgency.
underused assets and ongoing projects
Another category includes 23 assets already in service but eligible for recycling or revaluation. These span eight key sectors and are managed by 13 different entities, with an estimated combined value of 1,065 billion CFA francs.
The third category encompasses 94 infrastructure projects currently under construction that require immediate completion. Among these, 62 projects face significant delays, with the total investment reaching 5,227 billion CFA francs. An additional 973 billion CFA francs is needed to finalize these initiatives.
The final category involves 97 state-owned real estate and land assets deemed suitable for recycling or revaluation. Of these, 91 are located in the Dakar region, with a total market value estimated at 132 billion CFA francs. Renovation costs for these properties amount to 12.1 billion CFA francs.
root causes of project stagnation
Prime Minister Sonko identified multiple factors contributing to the stagnation of these infrastructure projects. Financial constraints remain the most prevalent issue, with 42 projects stalled due to insufficient investment funds, unpaid invoices, or outright payment defaults. This has led to work stoppages, missing equipment, and operational budget shortages.
Technical challenges have also impeded progress, with 18 projects delayed by coordination failures between stakeholders, particularly between project owners and utility operators (water, electricity, telecommunications). These issues manifest as incomplete technical works, delayed deliveries, missing or uninstalled equipment, and deteriorating structures.
Legal hurdles have frozen 14 projects, stemming from unresolved conflicts, annulled contracts, administrative bottlenecks, unsigned agreements, or unresolved institutional statuses. Operational shortcomings account for the remaining delays, with 13 projects completed years ago but lacking operational or management frameworks.
Sonko emphasized that neglect and poor planning have exacerbated these challenges, leading to massive financial losses. He called for zero tolerance toward negligence, rogue practices, and lax oversight, which have collectively contributed to delivery delays and systemic failures.
The Prime Minister announced decisive measures to address these issues, including the establishment of a dedicated committee at the Prime Minister’s Office to oversee and finalize the inventory process. He also demanded a complete reassessment of the inventory, acknowledging that the current findings may not capture the full scope of the problem. Sonko urged government agencies to proactively address technical challenges related to utility connections for infrastructure projects.
‘’Constructing infrastructure without planning for its operation is unthinkable,’’ Sonko stated, stressing that such oversights are a primary driver of project stagnation. He warned that the consequences of these failures extend beyond financial losses, impacting national development and public trust.