In Birkilane, the commissioning of a sludge treatment plant marks a decisive turning point in sanitation policy in semi-urban areas. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, in the presence of administrative and territorial authorities, as well as a large crowd of local residents.

Speaking at the event, the minister emphasized the social significance of the infrastructure: “We are here today to receive and inaugurate this sludge treatment plant built by the National Sanitation Office of Senegal (ONAS) in the town of Birkilane. This project was a grievance, a demand expressed by the people. The Government of Senegal has made it a reality.”

Through this project led by the National Sanitation Office of Senegal, the authorities intend to correct territorial disparities. "This project demonstrates the clear commitment of the highest authorities in our country: to guarantee equity and social justice for all Senegalese, wherever they may be. Whether in urban or rural areas, every citizen must have access, without discrimination, to essential services and the rights to which they are legitimately entitled," declared Dr. Dièye.

Emphasizing the paradigm shift in public policy, he added: “For a long time, the issue of sanitation seemed to be reserved for large cities. Today, this is changing, and this change will continue. One of the key markers of our new public policies is precisely to guarantee social justice and territorial equity.”

With a treatment capacity of 45 m³ per day, the plant will allow for better management of sludge from septic tanks and reduce illegal dumping, which has significant health and environmental impacts. "By facilitating access to a compliant treatment site, we protect groundwater, reduce the risk of spreading pathogens, and preserve our environment," the minister emphasized.

Beyond sanitation, the government official also sees an economic opportunity: "The stabilized sludge can be used in agriculture, market gardening, and reforestation. We must foster a genuine circular economy around these treatment plants, with the involvement of local authorities and decentralized government services."

The minister also gave clear instructions for the technical support of the project: "Following this inauguration, I have already instructed the Director General of the National Sanitation Office to continue to support you, in conjunction with the town hall and local administrative authorities, to ensure the efficient implementation of this station and enable it to fully achieve the objectives we expect from it."

Aware of the other needs expressed by the population, Dr. Dièye reassured them: “I am aware that there are still many needs and demands here. However, I would like to reassure you: Birkilane is already being considered in important projects currently underway, particularly regarding boreholes and water towers. We will continue this effort so that, in the years to come, we can gradually reduce the gap between rural and urban areas.”

He concluded by expressing his satisfaction on behalf of the highest state authorities: “Allow me to express my joy, on behalf of the President of the Republic, the Prime Minister, and the Government, at the completion of this project. Mr. Director General, and your entire team, I ask you to take all necessary steps to support the local population and ensure the optimal use of this infrastructure, for the greater good and satisfaction of the Birkilane community.”

For his part, the mayor of Birkilane, Fallou Fall, expressed his satisfaction with the realization of this long-awaited project. He praised it as "a structuring project that will sustainably improve the living conditions of the population" and contribute to making Birkilane a cleaner and more attractive city.

This inauguration is part of the momentum initiated by the President of the Republic, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, and his Prime Minister, Ousmane Sonko, in favor of a more balanced development of the territories and universal access to basic social services.