The Senegalese government has announced a new flood management strategy, set to be implemented over the next 15 years, with a budget of 921 billion FCFA. The strategy, which will run from 2025 to 2040, aims to mitigate the impact of flooding in the country. Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, made the announcement on October 7, 2026, after evaluating the current rainy season.
The strategy will take into account the rapid urbanization and demographic growth of Dakar, which has expanded significantly since 1980. The city's population has grown from 1 million to nearly 4 million inhabitants, putting a strain on existing infrastructure. The minister emphasized that the new strategy will address these challenges and improve the country's ability to manage flooding.
In the meantime, the government has reinforced its pumping capacity in several areas of Dakar affected by flooding. Minister Dièye visited several sites, including the Front de Terre canal, the zone de captage, the cité Bellevue des Maristes, and Mbao. He reported that the situation is improving, with water levels decreasing in some areas and completely evacuated in others.
The minister confirmed that the works visited are functioning correctly, with the ONAS station operating at full capacity. Additionally, efforts have been made to remove solid waste that could obstruct water flow. At the cité Bellevue, the evacuation of water is almost complete, with only a small amount remaining. Minister Dièye also reported that the level of the lake is being reduced by increasing the flow of water.
In the Mbao forest, where waters from Keur Massar converge before being evacuated into the marigot, seven additional pumps are now operational. The site is being permanently monitored to prevent obstructions caused by solid waste, with a team of gendarmerie responsible for securing the device. Minister Dièye assured that the government will continue to assume its responsibilities in managing flooding.
The new strategy will be rolled out at the end of the current rainy season, following a comprehensive evaluation of the season's challenges. The government aims to learn from the current season's experiences and adapt its approach accordingly. Minister Dièye emphasized that the strategy will be implemented in phases, with a focus on addressing the root causes of flooding.
The government's efforts to manage flooding have been reinforced by the deployment of additional resources, including pumps and equipment. The minister expressed confidence that the new strategy will make a significant impact in reducing the impact of flooding in Senegal. The strategy's success will depend on effective implementation and coordination among various stakeholders.
Key points
- The Senegalese government has announced a 921 billion FCFA flood management strategy for 2025-2040.
- The strategy aims to address the impact of flooding in Dakar, which has experienced rapid urbanization and demographic growth.
- The government has reinforced its pumping capacity in several areas of Dakar affected by flooding.
