Senegal increases water management capacity before youth Olympics
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Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, Senegal’s Minister, oversaw work to increase the water pumping capacity of a key basin from 6,000 to 9,000 cubic meters in preparation for the Youth Olympic Games.
Recent heavy rainfall, over 140 millimeters in Dakar and nearly 100 in Guédiawaye, had temporarily overwhelmed the basin’s existing infrastructure. The government responded by activating a second pumping station to manage increased water volumes and prevent flooding. Dièye also inspected ongoing sanitation projects and discussed planned improvements with local residents.
These include rehabilitating the Front de Terre canal to prevent blockages from waste and sand, and diverting some water from the Grand-Yoff area towards the Niayes region. The minister noted that rapid urbanization and changing weather patterns are straining the country’s drainage systems. Future work will focus on addressing specific issues identified by residents and local officials, with larger-scale projects scheduled to begin in 2027.
Dièye also criticized the construction of a four-story building directly over a sewer line, which further complicates water management in the area.
