The Ministère de l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement launched a new phase of infrastructure work in Dagana, Podor, and Matam on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, 2026, according to official ministry announcements. Led by Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, the ministerial tour—named « Eau Potable dans le Nord en Juillet »—follows previous interventions in Richard Toll in 2025 as part of the government’s push to accelerate universal water access. The initiative is carried out jointly by the Ministry, SONES, and local authorities to address population growth and secure water supplies across the region.
Ministerial Tour Targets Regional Water Infrastructure
The newly launched works form part of the broader Sénégal 2050 vision, a structuring program designed to increase current service coverage rates and anticipate water needs over the next 20 years in fluvial cities facing rapid demographic growth. According to the Ministry, the undertaking involves specific engineering projects across three main localities to strengthen distribution networks and curb service interruptions. SONES acts as the delegated project owner responsible for technical implementation.
At Dagana, Dr Dièye launched the construction of a new treatment station with a capacity of 4,000 m³/jour, alongside the rehabilitation of the existing station and the erection of a 2,000 m³ water tower. The itinerary then moved to Podor, where plans include a new 5,000 m³/day treatment station, a 2,000 m³ water tower, and the rehabilitation of the Khar Yalla station. In Matam, the scheduled works feature a 2,000 m³ water tower at Gourel Serigne, an equipped borehole, and the rehabilitation of the existing treatment facility.
Did You Know? This regional push follows previous water infrastructure interventions carried out in Richard Toll in 2025.
Broader Significance for the Senegal River Valley
For the Ministry, the objective extends beyond simple construction by aiming to guarantee a public water service described as “reliable, equitable, and durable” for northern populations. State officials emphasize that these investments should significantly reduce network outages and system losses across Dagana, Podor, and Matam. By addressing these infrastructure bottlenecks, the government seeks to lift the constraint of water scarcity in the Senegal River Valley, an area identified as strategic for local agriculture, livestock breeding, and human development.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who led the ministerial tour for the new water phase?
The ministerial tour was conducted by Dr Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Minister of l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement, on Thursday, July 23, and Friday, July 24, 2026.
Which organizations are partnering on this initiative?
The initiative is carried out jointly by the Ministère de l’Hydraulique et de l’Assainissement, SONES, and local authorities, with SONES serving as the delegated project owner for technical implementation.
What specific facilities are planned for Podor?
Plans for Podor include a new treatment station with a capacity of 5,000 m³/day, a 2,000 m³ water tower, and the rehabilitation of the Khar Yalla station.
How might these regional investments transform daily life for communities in northern Senegal over the coming decades?
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