Seyni Diène, Director General of Senegal's National Office for Sanitation (ONAS), has officially left the PASTEF party to join the Kiiiray coalition. This move was announced during his speech at the final of the Zone 2A in Mbour, where he was the guest of honor. Diène stated that he has submitted his resignation from PASTEF, marking a significant shift in his political alignment. He emphasized his full commitment to the Kiiiray coalition, led by President Bassirou Diomaye Faye.
Diène's decision to leave PASTEF comes as a surprise, given his past involvement with the party. He revealed that he had participated in the development of the party's project but felt it was time to part ways with his former colleagues. The ONAS director general expressed his enthusiasm for contributing to the growth of the Kiiiray coalition, particularly in his native department of Foundiougne. He plans to hold consultations with key stakeholders to organize a representative meeting of the coalition in the area.
The recent floods in Dakar have been a pressing concern for residents, with many areas experiencing heavy rainfall and subsequent waterlogging. Diène attributed the flooding to an exceptional 143-millimeter rainfall event that put a strain on Dakar's drainage infrastructure. However, he assured that the situation is now under control, citing the regular maintenance and dredging of the city's drainage systems. The ONAS director general explained that the city's water drainage system functions naturally, with water flowing from higher areas to lower ones.
Despite the challenges posed by the floods, Diène expressed confidence in the city's ability to manage the situation. He acknowledged that some areas remain waterlogged, particularly those with low-lying terrain. To address this issue, devices are being deployed to pump out the water and accelerate its evacuation. Diène emphasized that all affected areas have been evacuated and that the situation is being closely monitored.
As the director general of ONAS, Diène plays a crucial role in managing Senegal's sanitation and drainage systems. His shift in political allegiance is seen as a significant development in the country's political landscape. Diène's commitment to the Kiiiray coalition is expected to contribute to the government's efforts to address the country's challenges, including the issue of flooding in Dakar.
The floods in Dakar have highlighted the need for effective urban planning and infrastructure development. Diène's experience in managing the city's sanitation systems has provided valuable insights into the causes of the flooding and potential solutions. His leadership in addressing the crisis has been acknowledged by residents and officials alike.
As Senegal continues to navigate its development challenges, the country's leaders face increasing pressure to deliver on their promises. Diène's move to join the Kiiiray coalition is seen as a strategic step towards supporting President Faye's vision for a sustainable and emerging Senegal. The ONAS director general's efforts to address the flooding in Dakar will be closely watched in the coming days.
Key points
- Seyni Diène leaves PASTEF to join Kiiiray coalition
- Dakar flood situation under control, says ONAS director general
- Diène to contribute to Kiiiray coalition's growth in Foundiougne department