The regional branch of the Water Valorization Project for the Development of Value Chains (PROVAL-CV) held an evaluation meeting this Monday to take stock of the implementation of the first phase of the project and outline the prospects for the future.

According to Cédar Ngom, regional branch manager of PROVAL-CV in Kaffrine, the results are considered satisfactory:

"In terms of results, we can say that at Kaffrine, we have achieved almost 80% of the planned achievements. The project started in 2020 and today, we are very advanced."

Among the main achievements, he cited:

Agricultural farms: “In Koungheul, we have built 100 farms; in Malem Hodar 30 farms; in Kaffrine 80 farms and in Birkelane 30 farms, for a total of 240 agricultural farms,” explains Mr. Ngom.

Aquaculture farms: "Out of a target of five farms, all have been 100% completed and some are already in production," he adds.

The processing units: "Of the 15 planned, 13 have been completed and equipped with solar energy and processing machines. Ten units are currently in operation."

Hydro-agricultural developments: "The objective is to complete 14 projects. Ten are at 80% completion and the other four are at 50% completion."

Regarding the production tracks, the station manager indicated that "the Wanar Koumpal track (5 km) is almost completed, there are only a few foundations and the inspection notice remaining. The Boulel-Dianké Kaw track (11 km) is also 80% complete."

However, implementation was not without difficulties.

"We have terminated three or four contracts for failure to meet deadlines. Other constraints are linked to salinity in certain areas such as Birkelane, which requires deep drilling (120 to 200 m)," explains Cédar Ngom.

A second phase focused on the prevention of social and environmental impacts.

As for the outlook, Babacar Diop, responsible for environmental protection of the project, announces that corrective measures will be taken from the second phase planned for 2026:

"We cannot talk about infrastructure construction without addressing environmental and social impacts. We have prepared 25 safeguard instruments and established a complaints management mechanism to anticipate and manage negative impacts on communities and the environment."

According to him, the second phase will include a regional monitoring committee, chaired by the governor, as well as departmental and local committees:

"These structures will make it possible to anticipate breaches and ensure compliance with environmental and social clauses, in accordance with national regulations and the requirements of financial partners."

The first phase of PROVAL-CV will end in December 2025.