Senegal is intensifying flood prevention ahead of the rainy season, coordinating efforts among government agencies, local authorities, and community residents. The National Office of Sanitation launched a campaign to dredge and drain channels in Dakar, aiming to reduce urban flooding risk. Public cooperation is emphasized, with encouragement for residents to participate in maintenance efforts. The National Flood Management Plan has been in place since 2012, yielding positive results in flood response and infrastructure development.
DAKAR, May 3 (Xinhua) – With the rainy season on the horizon, Senegal is ramping up its flood prevention measures. The country is taking a coordinated approach involving not just government agencies, but also local authorities and community members. It’s a crucial time as West Africa gears up for the inevitable downpours that often lead to urban flooding, particularly in the densely populated capital, Dakar.
The National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) has kicked off a special campaign aimed at dredging and draining water channels across the nation, particularly in Dakar. Utilizing a substantial workforce and heavy machinery, the initiative seeks to combat urban flooding risks, especially as the rainy season traditionally starts in late June and runs through October. Data indicates that flooding hazards are most severe from early July to mid-October, prompting this proactive campaign.
In areas like Guediawaye, workers are in full swing—shovels in hand and alongside suction trucks, they are clearing out garbage and silt from drainage ditches. This is critical for allowing water to flow freely and prevent inundation. Djibril Samb, an ONAS staff member at the site, noted the deployment of heavy machinery, saying, “We have deployed technical personnel and heavy machinery, including water pumping vehicles, to fully clean blocked drainage pipes, reservoirs, and culverts.”
At the launching ceremony for the campaign, Senegalese Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane Dieye emphasized that government investment in flood control efforts is significant but public cooperation is equally essential. He urged residents to refrain from littering, obstructing waterways, or damaging drainage systems. “Community cleaning and maintenance efforts are crucial, and we need everyone’s support,” he remarked.
Since 2012, Senegal has been implementing a National Flood Management Plan designed to bolster the country’s flood disaster response capabilities. Part of this strategy involves constructing stormwater drainage infrastructure across Dakar, which has led to observable reductions in flooding incidents in various areas.
Astou Mbengue, who leads data collection at the Senegalese Federation of Residents’ Associations, voiced her concerns about urban drainage development. She stressed the need for the government to expedite improvements to sewage and stormwater discharge networks. Furthermore, she proposed that local residents be involved in every step of project design, construction, and maintenance to foster a sustainable approach to flood management.
In summary, Senegal is proactively enhancing its flood prevention strategies as the rainy season approaches. With a focus on community involvement and infrastructure improvement, the nation aims to mitigate the urban flooding that often afflicts Dakar and surrounding areas. Collaborative efforts between governmental bodies and residents are critical to ensuring better flood management and response capabilities.
Original Source: english.news.cn
