In the district of Houdallaye, in the department of Ranérou, the local population and the Senegalese Rural Water Company (SDER) do not speak the same language regarding the quality of services offered.

These communities are denouncing malfunctions in several boreholes since the arrival of the subsidiary, which are struggling to provide adequate water. Bocar Diallo, deputy mayor of Houdallaye and spokesperson for the users, expresses growing dissatisfaction, criticizing both the technical and commercial management of the infrastructure.

"The water supply problems are very real and are seriously affecting the inhabitants. With several boreholes dry and watering troughs closed, these shortages have, in some cases, led to the disappearance of livestock," he says.

According to him, "SDER is facing a shortage of gasoline stocks, thus limiting the optimal operation of the department's 46 boreholes."

In response to these accusations, Al Ousseynou Bocoum, technical director of SDER, speaking to the press, refuted the criticisms, emphasizing the regularity of service and the efficient supply of water to communities. He highlighted the efforts undertaken by the company since November 2025 to repair more than 20 defective boreholes and stressed that currently, more than 40 boreholes are operational.

He also assures that no drilling is inactive and that no problems related to gasoline supply have been reported.

Moreover, livestock farmers' associations located in the Ferlo agro-pastoral zone report a marked improvement in water supply. They also deny previous difficulties, but mention another issue: farmers now have to pay to use watering troughs equipped with meters.

Nevertheless, they confirm the satisfactory operation of the boreholes and the continuous interventions of technicians throughout the department to ensure the water needs for the 44 installations.