An extensive audit of government infrastructure projects has revealed 245 unfinished assets and projects across Senegal, presenting opportunities for recycling, enhancement, or urgent completion. The findings, compiled from data collected across ministries, were presented by Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko during a high-level interministerial infrastructure review.
The assessment categorizes these infrastructure assets and projects into four distinct groups, each requiring targeted interventions to unlock their potential value for the nation. These categories include completed but unutilized infrastructure, recyclable or value-adding operational assets, ongoing projects needing completion, and publicly owned real estate and land parcels eligible for redevelopment.
completed but idle infrastructure: dormant assets draining resources
A total of 30 completed infrastructure projects remain idle, with 25 facing critical blockages. These dormant assets represent a frozen investment of 279 billion West African CFA francs. Fifteen of these projects have been flagged as high-priority due to their significant financial impact and the severity of the bottlenecks preventing their activation.
operational assets ready for recycling or enhancement
Twenty-three operational infrastructure assets, spanning eight sectors, are deemed suitable for recycling or enhancement. These assets, managed by 13 different entities, are valued at an estimated 1,065 billion West African CFA francs. Their current operational status offers immediate opportunities to improve service delivery and economic returns.
ongoing projects requiring urgent completion
Ninety-four infrastructure projects remain under construction and require completion. Sixty-two of these projects are currently stalled, with a total investment of 5,227 billion West African CFA francs. An additional 973 billion West African CFA francs in supplementary funding is needed to bring these projects to fruition and realize their intended benefits.
public real estate and land parcels for redevelopment
The audit identified 97 publicly owned real estate and land parcels, 91 of which are located in the Dakar region. These parcels, with an estimated market value of 132 billion West African CFA francs, require renovation investments totaling 12.1 billion West African CFA francs. Their redevelopment could significantly contribute to urban renewal and economic growth.
root causes of infrastructure blockages
The Prime Minister highlighted multiple factors contributing to these infrastructure challenges, including financial, legal, technical, and operational issues. Financial constraints accounted for blockages in 42 projects, with insufficiencies in investment credits, payment defaults, and delayed settlements halting progress. Legal hurdles, such as unresolved conflicts, annulled contracts, and pending administrative approvals, were identified in 14 projects. Technical challenges, including coordination failures between stakeholders and incomplete utility connections, affected 18 projects. Operational issues, particularly the absence of clear management or operational models, were noted in 13 projects that have remained idle for years.
The lack of alignment between infrastructure and actual needs, coupled with inadequate formal handover procedures, further exacerbates the situation. These shortcomings have led to idle infrastructure, pending service activation, and incomplete installations, resulting in substantial resource losses.
strategic measures to address challenges
In response to these findings, Prime Minister Sonko announced the establishment of a dedicated committee within the Prime Minister’s office to finalize and implement the audit recommendations. He also called for a comprehensive review to ensure the inventory captures all relevant infrastructure assets and projects.
Sonko emphasized the importance of proactive planning for utility connections, such as water and electricity, to prevent future delays. He stressed that infrastructure development must be paired with clear operational strategies to ensure sustainable utilization. The Prime Minister condemned negligence and laxity as key contributors to project delays and failures, advocating for a zero-tolerance policy moving forward.
The audit underscores the urgent need for improved coordination, financial discipline, and operational planning to transform these infrastructure assets into drivers of economic growth and development for Senegal.