The National Sanitation Office (ONAS) celebrated the retirement of ten of its employees on Thursday, January 15, 2026. This ceremony, presided over by Amadou Salmone Fall, Chief of Staff to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, was an opportunity to recognize the exceptional commitment of these workers who dedicated their careers to improving the living conditions of the Senegalese people.

Among the honorees were Mamadou Dia, Mbaye Ndao, Sidi Diakhaté, Astou Niass Diop, Ms. Tounkara, El Hadj Ousseynou Sidibé, El Hadj Mamadou Diop, Massamba Thiam, Bassirou Sow, and Khadidiatou Ann. Amadou Salmone Fall emphasized the "thousand sacrifices made day and night" by these employees, whom he described as "dedicated workers." He also highlighted the major projects to which they contributed, notably the Hann Bay cleanup project and the unprecedented renewal of the waste collection trucks in the sub-region.

A dedication praised by senior management

The Director General of ONAS, Séni Diène, gave a moving testimony to the "priestly" nature of their mission. "Some of you have spent sleepless nights on construction sites to improve the living conditions of the Senegalese people. ONAS must recognize your contribution to the advancement of sanitation," he stated. He also took the opportunity to congratulate the teams on their management of the 2025 rainy season, emphasizing that despite record rainfall, the responses provided met expectations.

The Director of Human Resources, Mouhamadou Mbaye, described the retirees as true "builders" and "mentors" for the younger generation. He emphasized their ability to find solutions in the most extreme conditions, whether under a scorching sun or torrential rain, encouraging the young recruits to draw inspiration from their humility and professionalism.

A plea for social protection for civil servants

Speaking on behalf of the retirees, Massamba Thiam expressed his colleagues' pride in having served the public, while also mentioning a "pride forged in hardship for the benefit of the users." He also used this platform to advocate for improved health and medical protection for ONAS employees, given the arduous nature and risks associated with their jobs.

The ceremony concluded in a warm atmosphere, marked by wishes for a well-deserved rest. For these now-former employees, a new chapter begins, far from the construction sites but with the satisfaction of having left an indelible mark on the sanitation sector in Senegal.