Senegal’s public infrastructure delays prompt swift government action

The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has directed government officials to expedite the completion and operationalization of stalled public infrastructure projects across the country.

During an interministerial council meeting in Dakar, Sonko emphasized the urgent need to resolve administrative, financial, and technical bottlenecks impeding several key initiatives. He called for decisive measures to accelerate progress while maintaining strict quality and cost standards.

Maritime and port infrastructure under scrutiny

Sonko urged the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to prioritize the rapid and efficient activation of maritime and port projects. He highlighted the importance of public-private partnerships to ensure timely completion. Critical projects include the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay, the Soumbédioune landing site, and processing facilities in Rufisque. Additionally, the maritime dredgers operated by the National Maritime Affairs Agency in Kaolack and Fatick regions are among those requiring immediate attention.

Government identifies 62 blocked infrastructure projects

A comprehensive review revealed 62 stalled public infrastructure projects, ranging from the El Hadj Ibrahima Niass University of Sine-Saloum to regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda. Other notable projects include the Ndayane container terminal, cold storage facilities, and the restoration of the memorial for the Le Joola vessel. The Aristide Le Dantec hospital in Dakar also remains affected by these delays.

To address these challenges, Sonko announced the establishment of a dedicated committee tasked with tracking progress and implementing financial, administrative, and legal measures to revive and finalize the projects. The committee will ensure all undertakings comply with national quality and cost benchmarks.

Integrated infrastructure and sustainability focus

The Prime Minister stressed the necessity of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into public project planning. He also called for improved technical equipment handling, operational models, and sustainable maintenance strategies to enhance infrastructure longevity. For youth and citizenship centers under construction in Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, Sonko set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for full equipment and operational readiness.

Agricultural and agro-industrial initiatives

The council also addressed the Naatangué village farms and several agropoles in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao. Sonko directed relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to develop sustainable operational models, ensuring both financial viability and social impact for these agro-industrial infrastructures.

Exploring various public asset valorization strategies, Sonko advocated for long-term leasing, concessions, emphyteutic leases, or alternative public-private partnerships to attract fresh investments. The meeting further covered national stadiums, sports infrastructure, national parks, nature reserves, and diplomatic real estate holdings abroad.

In his closing remarks, the Prime Minister tasked government agencies with proposing mechanisms to recycle and optimize state-owned real estate and land assets, including those under military administration, to maximize their contribution to national development.