The Côte d'Ivoire government, along with stakeholders, is seeking a strategy to revive and develop the Lagunaire transport sector. A delegation from the Société de Transport Lagunaire (STL), led by Dia Ousmane, President of the SNEDAI Group's Board of Administration, recently met with the Autorité de la Mobilité Urbaine dans le Grand Abidjan (AMUGA). The meeting aimed to gather information on the development strategy for the sector.
The meeting was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Transport and Maritime Affairs, the Bureau National d'Études Techniques et de Développement (BNETD), and the Direction Générale des Affaires Maritimes (DGAM). Romain Kouakou, Director-General of AMUGA, recalled the history of the Lagunaire transport sector's development, which saw the arrival of two new operators, STL and CITRANS, in 2015, alongside SOTRA and pinassiers.
The sector faces significant challenges, including aging boats and frequent unavailability due to damage from the lagoon's floor characteristics. The companies operating in the sector are struggling economically, making it difficult to maintain their fleets. As a result, many users are turning to artisanal pinasses, which lack essential safety measures.
The development of lagoon stations, access roads, and relay parking lots to ensure good connectivity with the road network is also lagging. The lack of maintenance of navigable waterways and the configuration of the Ébrié lagoon floor complicate boat navigation. To address these issues, the Ivoirian authorities and their partners are working on integrated projects to build new stations and acquire additional boat-bus services.
The BNETD presented recommendations on the contractual model for the exploitation of Lagunaire transport, developed as part of its assistance to AMUGA in evaluating and revising concession agreements for private lagoon operators. The initial conclusions of this study aim to find a lasting solution to the functioning of new operators.
The parties involved agreed to meet again soon to continue discussions on the strategy for reviving the Lagunaire transport sector. The sector is crucial for reducing traffic congestion in Abidjan, but its development is hindered by various challenges. The authorities are seeking to reorganize and revitalize the sector with the support of international financial partners.
The revival of the Lagunaire transport sector is expected to improve the overall transportation system in Abidjan, providing users with a safer and more efficient service. The government's efforts to address the sector's challenges and develop a new strategy are ongoing, with a focus on finding sustainable solutions to the problems facing the industry.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire's Lagunaire transport sector faces significant challenges, including aging boats and economic struggles.
- The government is seeking a revival strategy, with a focus on reorganizing and revitalizing the sector.
- The development of the sector is crucial for reducing traffic congestion in Abidjan.
