Massive inventory of blocked public works in Sénégal
In a major diagnostic review of national development, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has revealed that 245 infrastructure projects are currently at a standstill throughout Sénégal. These halted initiatives represent a significant public investment totaling approximately 279 billion CFA francs.
This comprehensive audit follows a directive issued during the Council of Ministers on April 15, where government departments were tasked with identifying all “blocked” projects under their jurisdiction. The findings highlight a concerning volume of “dormant assets” that are currently failing to serve the public interest.
Financial and technical hurdles at the root of the crisis
According to the Prime Minister, the inventory includes a mix of projects that are either still under construction or have been completed but remain inactive. The primary factor behind these delays is a critical lack of financial resources, which Ousmane Sonko identified as the “dominant cause” of the current paralysis.
Beyond funding, technical complications have also played a role. Some sites have been abandoned due to poor planning regarding utility connections, such as water and electricity networks. The Prime Minister criticized the practice of building infrastructure without a clear strategy for its eventual operation and maintenance.
A new era of accountability and oversight
To rectify the situation, Ousmane Sonko announced the establishment of a dedicated committee within the Primature. This body will be responsible for finalizing the inventory, which the Prime Minister believes is still incomplete, and overseeing the resumption of work.
Addressing the underlying management issues, the Prime Minister spoke out against negligence and administrative laxity that have historically plagued these developments. He emphasized a shift toward a “zero tolerance” policy regarding delivery delays and operational failures. Moving forward, technical services are expected to anticipate logistical challenges much earlier in the planning phase to prevent future losses.
