Mauritania's President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani chaired the launch of the second phase of the Nouakchott development program on Thursday in Arafat district. The program's second phase is expected to cost 115 billion ouguiya. According to the Republican Presidency, the total investment for both phases is 184 billion ouguiya, with 69 billion allocated to the first phase and 115 billion to the second phase. The program focuses on education, health, water, electricity, roads, urban planning, youth, and sports.
The first phase of the program, launched on January 20, 2025, aimed to address urgent needs in basic services and infrastructure across Nouakchott's nine districts. Achievements in the education sector include the construction of 460 new classrooms, rehabilitation of 859 classrooms, and interventions in 120 educational institutions. In the health sector, the program involved 14 health centers, with nine completed and seven expanded. Additionally, seven health points were upgraded to centers.
The first phase also made significant progress in road construction, with 68 kilometers of roads completed, and work ongoing on the circular road and airport road expansion. In the electricity sector, 150 kilometers of electrical networks were built, along with 40 kilometers of connection networks, four mobile distribution stations, and 36 conversion stations. Furthermore, 215 kilometers of public lighting networks were installed.
The second phase of the program, set to be implemented over 16 months, includes additional investments in service sectors and infrastructure. In education, the plan is to build 510 classrooms, two high schools, seven preparatory schools, and 18 primary schools, as well as two boarding schools and six kindergartens. The program also involves renovating three centers for children with special needs.
In the health sector, the second phase includes the construction of a maternity hospital, four emergency reception services, three kidney dialysis centers, a national center for severe burns, and another for mental health and addiction treatment. The program also plans to build 70 kilometers of roads, complete circular road connections, and construct five traffic intersection crossing facilities.
The program further aims to improve water and electricity services, with plans to build 379 kilometers of water networks, ten kilometers of sanitation networks, and treat 43 stagnant water ponds. In the electricity sector, 41 new conversion stations and new connection lines will be built, and 187 kilometers of public lighting networks will be installed.
The program also includes the construction of 24 sports fields, a youth center, and the renovation of existing sports facilities. Additionally, studies will be conducted to restructure the city center, develop parks and public spaces, and improve Nouakchott's urban landscape. The program's success will depend on completing remaining projects, meeting deadlines, and ensuring that new facilities become operational.
Key points
- The second phase of the Nouakchott development program aims to improve basic services and infrastructure across the city's nine districts.
- The program's total investment for both phases is 184 billion ouguiya.
- The second phase is expected to be implemented over 16 months.
