Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani led a meeting with officials and leaders from Southern Nouakchott on Thursday evening. The president expressed his pleasure at meeting with the local community, emphasizing that the visit was part of his efforts to engage directly with citizens, understand their living conditions, and listen to their concerns and aspirations.
The president highlighted that his visits to various regions of the country would include all three Nouakchott wilayas, stressing that residents' origins in the capital did not diminish their ties to their respective wilayas or their right to address concerns and have their voices heard. He noted significant development in Southern Nouakchott's infrastructure, including education, healthcare, roads, and sports, despite challenges related to rapid urban expansion and population density.
President El Ghazouani reviewed key achievements under the first phase of the emergency development program for the capital, including the construction of 218 classrooms, rehabilitation of 409 classrooms, establishment of ten health centers, and development of 28.5 kilometers of roads and 35.5 kilometers of public lighting. He also mentioned the construction of a multi-purpose sports hall and interventions in water and sanitation.
The president emphasized that despite these accomplishments, needs remain, and efforts must continue. He outlined the second phase of the program, which includes new projects such as building 187 classrooms, two kindergartens, a center for children with special needs, healthcare facilities, expanded water networks, and enhanced pumping capacity, as well as 54 kilometers of public lighting.
In the road sector, President El Ghazouani announced the start of work on 27.5 kilometers of new roads, alongside projects to construct and rehabilitate sports facilities, aiming to improve infrastructure and provide suitable spaces for young people. He stressed that these interventions should improve living conditions, stimulate local economies, and create new job opportunities.
The meeting was attended by several government officials, including the Minister-Delegate to the President's Office, the Wali of Southern Nouakchott, and local authorities. Participants praised the projects implemented under the emergency program, which have improved access to basic services and supported local development, while also raising some concerns and priorities of the local population.
The president urged elected officials, local actors, and civil society representatives to present the concerns of the population, identify priorities, and propose suitable solutions to the challenges faced. He emphasized the importance of consultation and collaborative work to address citizens' aspirations.
Key points
- President El Ghazouani's visit to Southern Nouakchott aimed to engage with local communities and address their concerns.
- The Mauritanian government has implemented several development projects in Southern Nouakchott, including infrastructure improvements and expanded access to basic services.
- The president outlined plans for further development projects in the region, focusing on education, healthcare, and infrastructure.
