Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko of Senegal issued a directive to government officials on Thursday, emphasizing the urgent need to accelerate the completion and operationalization of public infrastructure projects currently underway across the nation.

During an inter-ministerial council meeting held in Dakar, specifically dedicated to infrastructure development, the head of government underscored the critical importance of swiftly removing administrative, financial, and technical hurdles that are impeding numerous strategic initiatives.

Addressing maritime and port infrastructure, Prime Minister Sonko called upon the Minister of Fisheries and Maritime Economy to implement all necessary measures to ensure their prompt and efficient utilization, particularly through the establishment of robust public-private partnerships.

Among the vital maritime facilities under scrutiny are the Port of Foundiougne-Ndakhonga, the Ndangane Sambou fishing quay, 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, are also a focus of this initiative.

The government has identified a total of 62 infrastructure projects currently facing delays. This extensive list includes significant undertakings such as the Université du Sine-Saloum El Hadj Ibrahima Niass, various open digital spaces, regional airports in Saint-Louis, Matam, and Kolda, the container terminal at the Port of Ndayane, 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 operational impediments.

According to Prime Minister Sonko, a dedicated committee will be established. Its mandate will involve inventorying infrastructure projects and monitoring the implementation of decisions from the inter-ministerial council. This body will be tasked with enacting the requisite financial, administrative, and legal measures to relaunch and finalize these crucial developments.

Ousmane Sonko affirmed that the completion of these infrastructure projects would proceed with an unwavering commitment to all stipulated quality and cost standards.

The head of government further stressed the imperative of integrating water, electricity, and telecommunications networks into the planning phases of public projects. He instructed ministers to ensure improved consideration for technical equipment, operational models, and the sustainable maintenance of these infrastructures.

Regarding the youth and citizenship centers under construction in various localities across the country, 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 commissioning.

The inter-ministerial council also reviewed progress on the “Naatangué” village farms and several agropoles currently being developed in Mpal, Adéane, Dioulacolon, and Mbellacadiao.

Prime Minister Sonko urged the relevant ministries to collaborate with private partners to devise sustainable exploitation models. The goal is to ensure both the profitability and social utility of these vital agro-industrial infrastructures.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister discussed various strategies for optimizing public infrastructure assets. These options include rental agreements, long-term concessions, emphyteutic leases, and other forms of public-private partnerships designed to attract new investments.

National stadiums, sports facilities, national parks, natural reserves, and the real estate holdings of Senegalese diplomatic missions abroad were also subjects of discussion during this comprehensive governmental meeting.

Finally, the head of government instructed the pertinent public entities to propose mechanisms for the recycling and valorization of state-owned real estate and land assets, encompassing those held by the armed forces, with the aim of maximizing their utilization in service of the national interest.