Dagana: Oumar Sarr argues for the continuity of public action and denounces administrative obstacles

At the ceremony launching the works aimed at improving access to drinking water in the department of Dagana, Mayor Oumar Sarr praised a project which he considers essential for the population.

But beyond this progress, the mayor of Dagana made a strong appeal for the continuity of public action, believing that major development projects should not be hindered by political changes.

In his speech, Oumar Sarr emphasized the importance of the new hydraulic structures which will sustainably improve the living conditions of several municipalities in the department.   "Behind these infrastructures, there are families whose daily lives will improve, children who will grow up in better conditions, and communities that will finally benefit from sustainable, equitable, and secure access to drinking water," he said.

Looking back on his career, the mayor recalled his beginnings at the head of the municipality in 1999, during the reception of the infrastructure for the drinking water supply project for the six river centers, in the presence of former Prime Minister Mamadou Lamine Loum.

According to Mr. Sarr, this experience taught him that beyond changes in the majority, citizens' expectations remain the same.

Sanitation, a priority

While the water supply project represents a major step forward, Oumar Sarr stressed the need to also accelerate investments in sanitation.

For him, this issue goes beyond the simple framework of infrastructure. It directly concerns public health, the safety of populations, and the dignity of residents facing difficulties related to wastewater and flooding.

The mayor then welcomed the announcement of the provisional award of a major contract for the sanitation of Dagana and Richard-Toll, while hoping for a quick start to the work in order to sustainably improve the living conditions of the population.

He also mentioned the prospects offered by the upcoming arrival of fibre optics as well as the realization of other structuring infrastructures which, according to him, will strengthen the economic attractiveness of Walo and offer more opportunities to young people.

A call to preserve projects despite changes in circumstances

The highlight of his speech was his plea for the continuity of public action.   Oumar Sarr lamented that several projects have experienced slowdowns or interruptions following changes in the political context. "Alternations of power are an asset to democracy, but structuring projects must survive political cycles. They concern families, communities, and the future of children," he insisted.

According to him, only a sustained commitment from the State will make it possible to build harmonious, equitable and shared development.

Projects on hold

Without going into detail about all the issues involved, the mayor cited several projects that he said were blocked, including the youth and citizenship center, the physical and virtual campus, the digital university, the courthouse, the departmental training center, and the departmental stadium project.   He also denounced the delays hindering the implementation of the Dagana urban development plan.

According to Mr. Sarr, the subdivision plan, submitted to the Ministry of Urban Planning on August 22, 2025, after obtaining all the required technical opinions, is still awaiting the ministerial decree. "Despite numerous reminders, nothing is happening. We are being prevented from implementing our urban development plan, as if they were trying to push us into illegality," he denounced.

The mayor of Dagana called on the authorities to quickly lift these administrative obstacles in order to allow the municipality to pursue its development projects in the sole interest of the people.