Dakar, Senegal – Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal has issued a directive to government ministers, urging the expedited completion and operationalization of critical public infrastructure projects currently underway across the nation.
During a pivotal interministerial council meeting on infrastructure held in Dakar, the head of government underscored the urgent necessity of dismantling administrative, financial, and technical obstacles that have stalled numerous strategic initiatives.
Addressing the crucial sector of maritime and port infrastructure, Prime Minister Sonko specifically instructed the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement all necessary measures for their swift and efficient utilization. This includes exploring viable public-private partnerships to enhance their operational capacity.
Key maritime facilities under scrutiny include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay, the developed landing point at Soumbédioune, 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 accelerated push.
In total, the government has identified 62 public infrastructure projects facing delays. These encompass a broad spectrum of vital developments, such as the University of Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, various digital access points, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the Ndayane port container terminal, cold storage units, and the solemn memorial for the “Le Joola” ferry disaster.
The extensive reconstruction efforts for the Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital in Dakar also feature prominently among the projects affected by these operational impediments.
Prime Minister Sonko announced the formation of a dedicated committee. This body will be tasked with inventorying all infrastructure projects and meticulously tracking the implementation of decisions made by the interministerial council. Its mandate will involve initiating the essential financial, administrative, and legal actions required to reactivate and finalize these stalled ventures.
Assuring the public, Ousmane Sonko affirmed that the finalization of these infrastructures would adhere rigorously to all stipulated quality standards and cost efficiencies.
The government leader also emphasized the imperative of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the foundational planning of all new public projects. He directed ministers to ensure a more comprehensive approach to technical equipment provision, sustainable operational models, and long-term maintenance strategies for these vital assets.
Regarding the youth and citizenship centers currently under construction in various localities, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, the Prime Minister set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for their full equipment and operational launch.
The interministerial council further deliberated on the “Naatangué” village farms and several agropoles in development across Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.
Ousmane Sonko instructed the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners in crafting sustainable operational models for these agro-industrial infrastructures, ensuring both their profitability and significant social utility.
The Prime Minister also explored various avenues for enhancing the value of public infrastructures, including rental agreements, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, and other forms of public-private partnerships designed to attract new investments.
During the governmental assembly, discussions also encompassed national stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, natural reserves, and the real estate holdings of Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad.
Finally, the head of government called upon relevant public entities to propose effective mechanisms for the recycling and valorization of state-owned real estate and land assets, including those managed by the armed forces, to optimize their utilization for the greater national interest.