Meeting at the Kaffrine Governorate, the Steering Committee of the Nanija Bolong Watershed Water Resources Mobilization Project (PROMOREN) took the time to analyze the progress made and the remaining challenges. Around the table, technicians, administrative authorities, and partners discussed the progress of the work and approved the 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB). The meeting was chaired by the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, who made no secret of his satisfaction.

Results exceeding expectations

One year after the official launch of the project, the minister said he had observed concrete signs of progress on the ground. "The reports submitted to me and the visits carried out show a satisfactory level of implementation, even exceeding the forecasts of the PTBA 2025," he emphasized.

The figures bear witness to this momentum: a positive increase of +0.48% for Lot 1 and +0.3% for Lot 2. Beyond the percentages, it is the active construction sites that truly impress. From Ida Mouride to Koungheul, passing through Ko Socé, Ida Gadiaga, Ida Séco, and Diokoul, the delegation observed the visible progress of the hydraulic dams, the crossing structures, and the ongoing dredging of strategic sections of the river. For the minister, these results stem from rigorous management: "This level of progress is rare for projects of this scale in our country," he emphasized.

A social dimension highlighted

The PROMOREN project is not limited to infrastructure; it directly impacts the lives of families. To date, nearly 159 million FCFA has been paid to 728 people affected by the project as compensation for expenses. Out of a total budget of 290 million FCFA allocated by the State, assessments are continuing in other areas. "These measures guarantee fair and sustainable implementation," the Minister emphasized, keen to demonstrate that the project is progressing while including local communities.

2026: A pivotal year

The approved 2026 Annual Work Plan and Budget (AWPB) amounts to approximately 11 billion FCFA, compared to 9 billion FCFA in 2025. This increase, according to the minister, reflects "a ramp-up in the project." The objective is clear: to accelerate the pace while securing funding to avoid any slowdowns. A significant portion of the infrastructure should be completed and delivered by June 2026, with the ambition of achieving all planned targets by the end of the year.

Communication, land and financing: key areas to watch out for

While satisfaction prevails, the Steering Committee remains realistic. It recommends strengthening communication and awareness campaigns to foster greater community ownership of the project. Another sensitive issue is anticipating land-related problems and compensation to avoid any obstacles. Financially, the requirement remains the same: regular and timely disbursements to support the pace of the work.

The minister also commended the commitment of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), a strategic partner in the project, which he considers a dedicated ally alongside the State of Senegal. In closing the meeting, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye called for collective mobilization to make PROMOREN a true driver of development for the territories involved. A follow-up meeting has already been scheduled to assess the future progress of the project.