Access to drinking water: The State launches a vast investment program in the Northern region

The Senegalese government is accelerating its investments in the water sector to sustainably improve access to drinking water in the northern regions. Following the projects undertaken in Richard-Toll in 2025, the cities of Dagana, Podor, and Matam are now entering a new phase of modernization of their water infrastructure.

The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, officially launched the works in Dagana on Thursday, July 23, as part of the program included in the Vision Senegal 2050. The initiative is being implemented by the ministry, in partnership with the National Water Company of Senegal (SONES) and the relevant local authorities.

The project includes the construction and reinforcement of several structures designed to improve the production, storage, and distribution of drinking water. Key achievements include a new water treatment plant with a capacity of 4,000 m³ per day, the rehabilitation of the existing plant, the construction of a 2,000 m³ water tower, and the renovation and upgrading of existing infrastructure.

The distribution network will also be extended to serve underserved areas and ensure more equitable access to drinking water.

According to the minister, this work is part of the project to strengthen the drinking water supply to the four river centers of Richard-Toll, Dagana, Podor and Matam.

The overall cost of the program is estimated at 88.5 billion CFA francs, of which 7.6 billion CFA francs are allocated to infrastructure in Dagana. For the authorities, this investment reflects the State's commitment to guaranteeing sustainable and secure access to drinking water, taking into account population growth and the rapid urbanization of the cities concerned.

In his address, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye noted that the need for drinking water has steadily increased in recent years. Faced with the difficulties encountered by the people of Dagana, a temporary solution had already been implemented: a compact production plant with a capacity of 2,000 m³ per day, accompanied by a 400 m³ reservoir and a network of nearly 87 km.

The minister believes, however, that the new facilities will provide a structural and sustainable response to the challenges of drinking water supply.

"This work marks an important step for Dagana. It reflects the State's commitment to providing concrete and sustainable solutions to the growing needs of the population for drinking water," he said.

Expansion of networks and social connections

Beyond increasing production capacity, the government is planning a major program to expand distribution networks in order to connect underserved neighborhoods.

On this occasion, the minister announced the launch of the "Yaatal Ndox" initiative, designed to accelerate social connections and the extension of water pipelines over a distance of 57 km. This initiative aims to bring public water services closer to the population and strengthen territorial equity.

The minister also asked SONES to ensure compliance with deadlines and quality requirements so that the works are quickly put into service for the benefit of the population.

The mayor of Dagana welcomes a project full of hope

Speaking in turn, the mayor of Dagana, Oumar Sarr, expressed his satisfaction with the start of these works, which he considers a major step forward for the department.

According to him, these new infrastructures will significantly improve the living conditions of residents by facilitating access to quality drinking water. He emphasized that behind these investments are families whose daily lives will be transformed, children who will grow up in better sanitary conditions, and communities that will finally benefit from a more reliable and secure service.

For local and national authorities, this program represents an important step in the strategy to modernize Senegal's hydraulic infrastructure and in achieving the objectives of the Senegal 2050 Vision.