The Senegalese parliament's finance commission recently rejected the 2027 budget for the Ministry of Urbanism, Territorial Collectivities, and Territorial Planning (MUCTAT). The rejection, led by deputies from the Pastef party, has raised concerns about the potential impact on territorial development projects and services. According to Minister of Urbanism, Territorial Collectivities, and Territorial Planning Moussa Bala Fofana, the budget was designed to support the implementation of the Agenda national de transformation Sénégal 2050.
The rejected budget was set at 215.12 billion FCFA in payment credits and approximately 249.08 billion FCFA in engagement authorizations. Despite the challenging public finance context, the ministry had prioritized essential interventions and maintained investments necessary for territorial transformation. The budget aimed to make territories the primary drivers of economic and social development. Minister Fofana emphasized that the rejection could compromise essential public policies, investments, and thousands of projects expected by the population.
The program of territorial development financing, which was part of the budget, represented 113.91 billion FCFA. This included 38.4 billion FCFA for the Decentralization Fund, 46.2 billion FCFA for the Territorial Collectivities Equipment Fund, and 21.8 billion FCFA for the Community Development and Social Inclusion Program (PACASEN). These funds are crucial for mayors to implement investments, communes to finance equipment, and populations to address daily difficulties.
The rejection of the budget has significant implications for territorial collectivities, which are the primary interface between citizens and the government. Minister Fofana stressed that these collectivities are not variables to be adjusted in partisan disputes, but rather the first face of the Republic that citizens interact with. Refusing to support their financing instruments without proposing a credible alternative exposes thousands of local projects to uncertainty.
The consequences of this obstruction are also concerning in the areas of urban planning and flood prevention. Senegal has experienced recurrent flooding, resulting in significant human, economic, and social costs. The government's efforts to address this issue, such as the PROGEP II program, have already achieved notable results, including the construction of 2,500 meters of collectors and eight basins, protecting around 60,000 people.
In Saint-Louis, the situation is particularly emblematic of the responsibilities that the government has. The populations of the Langue de Barbarie have been living under the threat of coastal erosion and forced displacement for years. The program of recovery and resilience provides for the construction of 436 housing units in Djougop, benefiting 10,000 displaced people, as well as other socio-economic projects.
The rejection of the MUCTAT budget has raised concerns about the potential impact on the lives of Senegalese citizens. Minister Fofana emphasized that it is essential to prioritize the general interest and not compromise the future of territories for partisan calculations. The government must find a solution to ensure the continuity of territorial development projects and services.
Key points
- The rejection of the 2027 budget for the Ministry of Urbanism, Territorial Collectivities, and Territorial Planning may compromise essential public policies and investments in Senegal.
- The budget was designed to support the implementation of the Agenda national de transformation Sénégal 2050, making territories the primary drivers of economic and social development.
- The rejection has significant implications for territorial collectivities, which are the primary interface between citizens and the government.
