Prime Minister El Moctar Ould Diay of Mauritania recently presented a comprehensive report on the country's development progress from 2019 to 2026. The report highlights significant investments in infrastructure, including 7,600 new classrooms, 784 kilometers of roads, 1,340 wells, and 400 electrified villages. The government's efforts have also led to a reduction in external debt to below 40% of GDP and maintained a growth rate above 4%. These achievements demonstrate the government's commitment to development, but also raise questions about the quality and impact of these investments.
Despite the impressive statistics, many challenges persist in Mauritania. The country's citizens continue to face difficulties in accessing basic services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education. The Prime Minister himself acknowledged that only 6 operational internats are available for secondary education, and many schools lack trained teachers, furniture, and functional canteens. The report also notes that the doubling of university capacity without employability reforms has contributed to youth unemployment. These issues highlight the need for the government to focus on improving the quality of services and infrastructure.
The healthcare sector has also seen significant investments, with two new regional hospitals built and five more under construction. However, the availability of specialists, functional scanners, and ambulances remains a concern. The report notes that 1.4 million people are now insured, a significant social advancement, but citizens expect more from the healthcare system. The government's efforts to improve healthcare have been hampered by issues with infrastructure and personnel.
The report also highlights the paradox of economic growth and purchasing power. While the government has maintained a growth rate of 4% and reduced debt, the cost of living remains high, and inflation has eroded salaries. The government has introduced measures to support vulnerable families, including cash transfers and subsidies for hydrocarbons and electricity. However, the report notes that these measures have only partially mitigated the impact of inflation, and the government must find ways to address the root causes of these issues.
One of the major challenges facing the government is the execution of projects. The report combines completed, ongoing, and planned projects, making it difficult to assess the actual progress. For example, 1,431 kilometers of roads are under construction, and a high-voltage line connecting Nouakchott to Néma has been financed but not built. The government's credibility will depend on its ability to correct these execution delays and ensure that projects are completed on time.
The report also raises concerns about the lack of diversification in the economy and governance issues. The government has announced plans to develop the interior regions, but details are scarce. The fight against corruption and administrative reform are also critical issues that require attention. The government's ability to address these challenges will be crucial to ensuring that the benefits of development are shared equitably among all citizens.
In conclusion, the Diay government's report highlights both achievements and challenges. While significant investments have been made in infrastructure, the quality and impact of these investments remain a concern. The government must now focus on improving the delivery of basic services, addressing the root causes of poverty and inequality, and ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by all. The next stage of development will require a shift from a focus on infrastructure to a focus on results and outcomes.
Key points
- The government has invested heavily in infrastructure, but the quality and impact of these investments are uncertain.
- The country's citizens continue to face difficulties in accessing basic services such as electricity, water, healthcare, and education.
- The government's credibility will depend on its ability to correct execution delays and ensure that projects are completed on time.
