The University of Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar (UCAD) has initiated a significant project to improve mobility and living conditions on its campus. In partnership with the City of Dakar, the institution has launched a project to develop two key routes that traverse the campus. The project, which began on September 22, 2026, aims to enhance the overall experience for students and staff.
The project involves the development of two main axes: one commonly known as the "Couloir de la mort" and the other from Canal 4 to the Corniche, passing through the Cité Aline Sitoé Diatta (formerly Claudel). The total length of the routes to be developed is over 3,130 meters, including pedestrian and cycling paths. The project was launched in the presence of the university's rector, Pr Alioune Badara Kandji, and the mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall.
The first axis, which connects the former Librairie Clair-Afrique to the Office du baccalauréat, has a total length of 1,530 meters and a surface area of 9,180 square meters to be paved. The second axis, which passes through the École supérieure polytechnique (ESP) and the Ifan sector, has a total length of 1,600 meters. The project also includes a landscaping component, with trees to be planted along the roads.
According to Pr Kandji, the project aims to improve circulation and give a new face to certain areas of the campus. He emphasized that the project goes beyond its practical dimension, as it seeks to provide a modernized living environment for the university community. The rector also highlighted the importance of promoting sustainable mobility, citing the university's partnership with urban transport actors in Dakar.
The mayor of Dakar, Abass Fall, stressed the symbolic significance of developing the "Couloir de la mort" route, which he described as a "place of war against ignorance." He believes that the development of this route goes beyond mere paving, lighting, and circulation issues, as it aims to make the path to knowledge more dignified. Fall also emphasized the importance of the university in Senegal's history and the training of future generations of leaders.
The project also includes a security component, with improved lighting to ensure safe movement in the evening. The development of protected pedestrian and cycling paths is expected to better organize the coexistence of different modes of transportation. The project is seen as an investment in knowledge and a contribution to the construction of the future.
The partnership between UCAD and the City of Dakar has been hailed as a significant step towards improving the university experience. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the daily lives of students and staff, providing a safer and more sustainable environment.
Key points
- The project aims to improve mobility and living conditions on the UCAD campus.
- The development of pedestrian and cycling infrastructure is part of a broader effort to promote sustainable mobility.
- The project is a partnership between UCAD and the City of Dakar, reflecting a collaborative approach to improving the university experience.
