The issue of proper drainage in Mauritania's capital and other cities has been a persistent problem for as long as the country has existed. According to Naa Ould Ali, the official in charge of drainage at the Ministry of Water and Sanitation, all previous governments have failed to find a lasting solution to this problem. Ould Ali made these remarks on social media, highlighting the longstanding nature of the issue.

The Ministry of Water and Sanitation has been actively engaged in addressing the problem. For months, a ministerial committee led by the Prime Minister, Moktar Ould Djay, has been meeting to prepare for the annual rainy season. The committee's efforts aim to mitigate the effects of flooding, a recurring phenomenon in Mauritania. Ould Ali emphasized that the ministry is closely monitoring the situation.

Recent rains have prompted the drainage services to intervene, with Ould Ali suggesting that a new level of effectiveness is being demonstrated. He noted that the Minister of Water and Sanitation is closely tracking the pumping and drainage operations. The intervention comes as a response to the latest rainfall, which has once again highlighted the country's drainage challenges.

Ould Ali clarified that the government's efforts to address the drainage issue are separate from the development plans for Nouakchott. He emphasized that the government's commitment is to financing the first phase of the city's drainage project, which is valued at over 70 billion ouguiya. This project is seen as a crucial step towards resolving the drainage problem in the capital.

The President of Mauritania, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, has been praised for his vision and commitment to addressing the country's infrastructure challenges. Ould Ali described the President as the first leader to possess the vision and courage to mobilize the necessary resources for this major project. The project is expected to have a significant impact on the country's development.

In the past, Nouakchott has faced severe conditions, with flood risks reaching alarming levels. Ould Ali's comments highlight the gravity of the situation and the need for a lasting solution. The government's efforts aim to prevent such risks from materializing in the future.

The drainage issue in Mauritania remains a pressing concern, with the government facing the challenge of finding a lasting solution. The Ministry of Water and Sanitation continues to work towards addressing the problem, with a focus on implementing effective measures to mitigate the effects of flooding.

Key points

  • The Mauritanian government has committed to financing the first phase of Nouakchott's drainage project with over 70 billion ouguiya.
  • President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani has been praised for his vision and commitment to addressing the country's infrastructure challenges.
  • The drainage issue in Mauritania has been a persistent problem for as long as the country has existed.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.