Senegal's Transport Minister Defends 2027 Budget Plan Despite Rejection

Senegal's Minister of Land and Air Transport, Abdou Lahad NDIAYE, has spoken out after his 2027 budget plan was rejected by the Finance Commission of the National Assembly. In a statement on social media, NDIAYE defended his department's ambitions despite the negative vote. The rejected budget plan was worth 104.34 billion FCFA. NDIAYE stated that this amount reflects concrete ambitions to improve mobility and modernize the country's transport infrastructure.

The budget plan detailed allocations for different transport sectors. A sum of 48.68 billion FCFA was allocated to road transport, 44.17 billion FCFA to rail transport, and 9.62 billion FCFA to air transport. NDIAYE explained that the road transport allocation would fund the modernization of the Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) system and the renewal of the automobile fleet. This includes acquiring 2000 urban taxis in Dakar and Thiès, 100 proximity taxis, and 100 buses.

The rail transport allocation is intended to prepare for the extension of the Dakar-Tambacounda Train Express Regional (TER) to Thiès, construct the Sébikotane station, and revive the Dakar-Tambacounda line. For air transport, the funds would be used to extend the passenger terminal at Blaise Diagne International Airport (AIBD) and develop the Aéroville project. NDIAYE expressed disappointment that the budget plan did not obtain the Finance Commission's approval.

Despite the rejection, NDIAYE emphasized that the plan included structuring projects and concrete prospects for improving citizens' travel conditions. He stated that these projects were submitted to the representatives of the people for examination. The minister assured that he remains fully committed to implementing the transport modernization policy, in line with the head of state's orientations.

This rejection occurs within a broader context of budgetary blockage at the National Assembly. Several ministerial budget plans have already been rejected by the Finance Commission in recent weeks. The situation highlights the challenges faced by the government in obtaining approval for its budget plans.

NDIAYE's commitment to his department's projects remains unwavering. He highlighted the importance of these projects in improving the mobility of Senegalese citizens and modernizing the country's transport infrastructure. The minister's defense of his budget plan demonstrates his determination to push forward with the government's transport agenda.

The fate of NDIAYE's 2027 budget plan remains uncertain. However, the minister's resolve to implement the transport modernization policy suggests that the government will continue to pursue its objectives. The rejection of the budget plan has not deterred NDIAYE from his goal of improving Senegal's transport sector.

Key points

• The 2027 budget plan for Senegal's transport sector was worth 104.34 billion FCFA.
• The budget plan was rejected by the National Assembly's Finance Commission.
• The minister remains committed to implementing the transport modernization policy.