The Senegalese government has initiated an emergency plan to improve the water supply in the holy city of Touba. The plan, led by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation and the Office des Forages Ruraux (OFOR), aims to address the increasing population and high water consumption during major religious events. As part of this plan, OFOR is implementing an infrastructure program that includes the construction of four new boreholes and four water towers.
On November 6, 2026, OFOR Director General Serigne Mbacké DIENG conducted a site visit to monitor the progress of the projects, accompanied by members of the Water Stakeholders' Framework for Concertation in Touba. The delegation visited the Fatloul Fatah water tower site, which is being built by CGCOC as part of the second phase of the Rural Water Supply Program in Senegal. This project aims to end water shortages in peripheral neighborhoods such as Darou Rahmane 2, Boukhatoul Moubaraka, Darou Fall, and Oumoul Khaïra.
The projects also aim to reduce water deficits in the Touba Darou Khadim, Mboussobé, Darou Rahmane, and Gallodé regions. The government has set a target to complete and operationalize the eight new infrastructure projects before the start of the next Magal de Touba event. The modernization of the installations is accompanied by the replacement of old equipment with more robust networks. OFOR is replacing old pumps with more efficient models to protect the system against electrical voltage fluctuations.
In addition to the infrastructure projects, OFOR is also upgrading its equipment to improve the resilience of its networks. The organization has delivered 225 stainless steel columns to the Ndamatou Maintenance Unit, which will be used to re-equip 15 boreholes. This upgrade will provide better resistance to brackish water and reduce maintenance costs. According to OFOR, these projects will significantly improve the water supply in Touba.
The water shortages in Touba are often exacerbated by the city's growing population and high water demand during major events. The new infrastructure projects are expected to alleviate these shortages and provide a more reliable water supply to residents. The government's investment in the water sector is seen as a critical step towards addressing the country's water challenges.
The OFOR Director General emphasized the importance of the projects in ensuring a reliable water supply for the city's residents. The organization is working to ensure that the new infrastructure is completed and operational before the next Magal de Touba event. The project is part of a broader effort to improve the water supply in rural areas of Senegal.
The successful completion of the eight new water infrastructure projects in Touba will mark a significant milestone in the government's efforts to address the country's water challenges. The projects demonstrate the government's commitment to improving the living standards of its citizens and promoting economic development.
Key points
- Eight new water infrastructure projects launched in Touba to address water shortages.
Reporting sources
- WalFadjri · WalFadjri
