The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has disclosed that 245 infrastructure projects remain stalled across the country, with a combined public investment value of 279 billion CFA francs.
Identifying the scope of stalled infrastructure
Speaking during an interministerial council meeting in Dakar, Mr. Sonko highlighted that these projects—either partially completed or still under construction—have become ‘dormant assets’ due to unresolved challenges. The assessment follows a directive issued by the Council of Ministers on April 15, urging ministries to audit and report on stalled projects within their sectors.
Root causes behind the delays
Financial constraints emerged as the primary obstacle, accounting for the majority of delays. However, technical complications also played a significant role, disrupting progress on several sites. Sonko emphasized that inadequate planning for post-construction operations—such as utility connections—has exacerbated the situation, leading to substantial financial losses.
Government response and corrective measures
To address these issues, the Prime Minister announced the establishment of a dedicated committee at the Prime Minister’s Office to oversee and finalize the ongoing audit. Additionally, he called for a thorough review of the current inventory, acknowledging it may not yet capture all affected projects.
Sonko stressed the need for proactive measures to anticipate technical challenges, particularly in linking water and electricity networks to new infrastructures. He condemned the inefficiencies—labeled as ‘roublardise, negligence, and laxism’—that have prolonged delays and delivery failures, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy moving forward.
The Prime Minister’s remarks underscore a broader commitment to revamping infrastructure development, ensuring that completed projects are swiftly operationalized to avoid further financial drain.
