Dakar — Senegal’s Prime Minister has issued a firm directive to the ministers responsible for flood prevention, stressing the urgency of implementing critical measures ahead of the upcoming rainy season.
During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers meeting, Ousmane Sonko emphasized the need for immediate action, instructing the relevant ministers to update and validate all municipal emergency plans without delay. He also called for thorough checks on early warning systems and communication channels to ensure they remain fully operational.
Key priorities outlined
The Prime Minister highlighted several essential tasks:
- Verifying the functionality of early warning systems and communication channels
- Updating and validating municipal emergency plans
- Ensuring rapid deployment of intervention resources
- Conducting a cross-ministerial simulation exercise before June 15, 2026
Government’s proactive flood prevention efforts
The Council of Ministers’ official statement praised the ongoing preparatory work led by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, along with other state services. Key initiatives include clearing drainage networks, inspecting flood control structures, pre-positioning pumps, and developing emergency response plans.
Sonko underscored the inter-ministerial nature of flood prevention, urging all government departments to collaborate seamlessly. The Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation will spearhead these efforts, with support from the Ministry of the Interior for civil protection and crisis management.
