Oumar Guèye, union delegate in charge of massification at the National Union of Construction Workers in Building and Public and Private Works (SNTC/BTP), raises the alarm about the deep crisis facing the construction sector in Senegal.

In a solemn statement, the trade unionist raises the alarm about a situation that directly threatens employment and national economic stability.

According to him, the Building and Public Works sector, a historical pillar of growth and public investment in Senegal, is currently experiencing "a crisis of unprecedented magnitude, in a particularly constraining national macroeconomic context".

Oumar Guèye explains that since the installation of the new authorities, the Senegalese economy has faced a marked budgetary tightening, resulting from the need to rebalance public finances, control debt and redefine the State's investment priorities.

"This phase of economic transition, although understandable in view of the imperatives of macroeconomic sustainability, has had the direct consequence of a brutal slowdown in public procurement, of which the construction industry remains the main recipient," he laments.

The union representative emphasizes that the suspension or rescheduling of numerous infrastructure projects, coupled with prolonged delays in payment, has plunged companies in the sector into a critical cash flow situation. This contraction in activity is exacerbated, he argues, by "the continued rise in the costs of materials, energy, and financing, in a sub-regional and international environment marked by inflation and market volatility."

Today, says Oumar Guèye, construction companies, although loyally committed to the execution of public programs, find themselves unable to meet their social obligations, "in particular the payment of contributions to IPRES and CSS, as well as the provision of health coverage".

"This situation deprives thousands of workers of their fundamental rights to retirement and healthcare, and exposes the country to a silent but profound social crisis," the union leader warned.

" An entire segment of the economy is at risk of collapsing."

"As an actor and union representative in the sector, I wish to solemnly sound the alarm," declares Oumar Guèye. "If no urgent corrective measures are taken, an entire segment of the national economy risks collapsing, with serious social consequences for thousands of families, technicians, skilled workers and Senegalese SMEs," he says.

Mr. Gueye emphasizes that the lack of clarity regarding the direction of public investment policy, combined with the slow pace of debt repayment, "is permanently undermining the confidence of businesses and financial partners." He stresses that "Senegal's economic and social stability largely depends on the vitality of the construction sector, a cross-cutting sector that generates employment, vocational training, and local demand."

Faced with this critical situation, Oumar Guèye is making a solemn appeal to the Senegalese government, through the Ministry of Infrastructure, to implement urgent and structural measures. His demands include, in particular, the settlement of domestic and external debts and guarantees of regular payments owed to companies in the sector.

Then, set up a support and recovery fund for the Senegalese construction industry, dedicated to safeguarding jobs and ensuring the survival of national companies.

Then lift the suspension measures affecting projects already underway and launch new projects, in line with the ambitions for economic transformation and emergence of the country.

But also, to establish a permanent framework for sectoral social dialogue, making it possible to anticipate crises and preserve social peace.

"The construction industry remains a strategic and sovereign sector, as it builds the roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and housing that sustainably support the country's development," Oumar Guèye points out. "By allowing this crisis to continue, the State risks compromising a fundamental lever for growth, social inclusion, and economic stability," he says.

The union representative concluded with a call for general mobilization: "Finally, I call for an immediate and responsible mobilization of all stakeholders, in order to avoid the collapse of the Senegalese construction industry and to preserve thousands of jobs, in the best interests of the nation."