The Prime Minister of Senegal, Ousmane Sonko, has unveiled a striking revelation during a high-level interministerial meeting on infrastructure development. A comprehensive national audit has identified 245 stalled construction projects across the country, representing a staggering investment of 279 billion West African CFA francs in dormant public assets.
Addressing government officials in Dakar on Thursday, Mr. Sonko emphasized that these projects, either abandoned mid-construction or completed but left unutilized, have become financial liabilities rather than developmental assets. The audit, mandated by the Council of Ministers following its April 15 session, was conducted to assess the state of public infrastructure nationwide.
root causes behind the stalled projects
According to the Prime Minister, financial constraints emerge as the primary obstacle, followed by technical and administrative challenges. “These blockages have resulted in assets worth 279 billion CFA francs lying idle,” he stated, highlighting the urgent need for corrective measures to prevent further losses.
Ousmane Sonko pointed out that some projects were halted due to unresolved technical issues, while others suffered from poor planning and execution. “It is unacceptable to construct infrastructure without considering its operational viability,” he remarked, stressing that neglect and mismanagement have exacerbated the situation.
decisive actions to revive stalled projects
The Prime Minister announced immediate steps to address the crisis. A dedicated committee will be established within the Prime Minister’s Office to oversee the completion of the audit and propose solutions. Additionally, Sonko has called for a thorough review of the inventory, suggesting it may not yet capture all dormant assets.
He urged relevant ministries to anticipate technical complications, particularly concerning the integration of hydraulic and electrical networks into infrastructure projects. “A zero-tolerance policy must be enforced against negligence and incompetence,” he declared, vowing to hold officials accountable for delays and failures.
The revelation underscores broader concerns about governance and resource allocation in Senegal’s public sector. With losses mounting from these stalled projects, the government faces mounting pressure to restore efficiency and transparency in infrastructure development.
