Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal recently issued a directive to government officials, urging them to accelerate the finalization and operational launch of public infrastructure projects currently underway across the nation.
During an inter-ministerial council focused on infrastructure, held in Dakar, the head of government emphasized the critical need to promptly resolve administrative, financial, and technical hurdles that are impeding several key strategic initiatives.
Regarding maritime and port infrastructure, Prime Minister Sonko specifically instructed the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement all necessary measures for their rapid and efficient utilization, particularly through the establishment of public-private partnerships.
Among the crucial maritime and port facilities highlighted were the Foundiougne-Ndakhonga port, the Ndangane Sambou fishing dock, the developed landing point at Soumbédioune, and the processing sites in Rufisque. Additionally, the dredgers operated by the National Agency for Maritime Affairs, stationed in the Kaolack and Fatick regions, were also included in this directive.
The government has identified a total of 62 infrastructure projects facing various delays. This extensive list includes significant undertakings such as the University of Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the container terminal at the Ndayane port, several cold storage facilities, and the memorial dedicated to the “Le Joola” ferry disaster.
The reconstruction of the Aristide-Le-Dantec hospital in Dakar also features prominently among the projects affected by these persistent blockages.
According to Prime Minister Sonko, a dedicated committee will be established. Its mandate will be to inventory these infrastructures and monitor the implementation of decisions made during the inter-ministerial council, with the aim of instituting the necessary financial, administrative, and legal actions to revive and complete these vital projects.
Ousmane Sonko reassured the public that the completion of these infrastructures would strictly adhere to all required quality standards and cost-efficiency criteria.
The Prime Minister also underscored the importance of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning phases of public projects. He directed ministers to ensure improved consideration for technical equipment, operational models, and the sustainable maintenance of these infrastructures.
For the youth and citizenship centers currently under construction in various localities across the country, including Tivaouane, Mbour, Linguère, Ranérou, Bambey, Diourbel, Kaolack, and Tambacounda, Prime Minister Sonko set a firm deadline of November 30, 2026, for their full equipment and operational launch.
The inter-ministerial council also delved into the progress of the “Naatangué” village farms and several agropoles under development in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.
Ousmane Sonko instructed the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to define sustainable operational models. This initiative aims to ensure both the profitability and the social utility of these crucial agro-industrial infrastructures.
Furthermore, the Prime Minister explored various options for optimizing the value of public infrastructures. These options included rental agreements, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, or other forms of public-private partnerships designed to attract new investments.
National stadiums, various sports facilities, national parks, natural reserves, and the real estate assets of Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad were also subjects of discussion during this governmental assembly.
Finally, the head of government tasked the relevant public entities with proposing mechanisms for the recycling and valorization of state-owned real estate and land assets, encompassing those held by the armed forces, to optimize their utilization in service of the national interest.
