Mauritania is grappling with substantial structural challenges related to sanitation, which become particularly evident during the rainy season. The accumulation of water and formation of puddles and swamps in urban and rural areas are not merely seasonal issues but reflect a deep-seated problem that has been building over decades of urban growth and increasing pressure on infrastructure. This issue affects various population centers across the country to varying degrees.
The government's efforts to address these challenges are multifaceted. A significant development is the launch of a comprehensive sanitation project in Nouakchott, the capital city, in late 2024. This project, undertaken by a Chinese government-owned company that won the allocated tender, is budgeted at over $177 million. It is expected to mark a significant step in addressing the root causes of the sanitation problem by 2029, rather than merely providing temporary fixes.
The project to establish a comprehensive sanitation network is a complex and long-term endeavor that requires substantial investment and planning. It is distinct from the basic services that the government aims to provide gradually, such as education, healthcare, water, electricity, and roads. The government has also established special networks for rainwater drainage and relies on suction tankers to manage exceptional situations and expedite the return to normal conditions in affected neighborhoods and streets.
The government's approach to addressing sanitation challenges is part of a broader national effort to provide essential services and bring them closer to citizens across the country. The Prime Minister, Mohamed Ould Ghazouani, leads these efforts, which include education, healthcare, water, electricity, roads, and urban infrastructure. These areas represent simultaneous axes of work that require substantial resources and continuous investment.
A key aspect of the current approach is its focus on addressing major problems from their roots, rather than merely managing their effects. This vision was articulated by President Mohamed Ould Ghazouani in various national files. An example of this approach is the reform of the education system through the choice of a republican school, a significant national decision that, while not easy politically and not immediate in its results, is based on the conviction that building a unified and fair school system is a long-term investment.
The water sector provides another example of the effectiveness of the approach focused on addressing problems from their roots. The phenomenon of silt accompanying the rise in the Senegal River's level during the rainy season has long been an annual challenge, affecting water production and transport to Nouakchott and causing shortages during July-September. However, the government has implemented a package of technical and proactive solutions over the past two years to address this chronic issue.
The government's investment in structural solutions, despite requiring time and resources, remains more effective and less costly than merely addressing crises as they occur. This approach is part of a societal transformation project led by President Ghazouani, which aims to expand the circle of equal opportunities among citizens, regardless of their place of residence or social circumstances. Large infrastructure projects, including the comprehensive sanitation project, are practical tools for consolidating spatial justice and equal opportunities among citizens.
Key points
- The Mauritanian government has launched a comprehensive sanitation project in Nouakchott, budgeted at over $177 million, aiming to address the country's longstanding sanitation challenges.
