Senegal is enhancing flood prevention strategies as the rainy season nears, focusing on extensive drainage operations in urban areas. The National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) is leading initiatives in Dakar and beyond to clear waterways and engage with local communities. Officials stress the vital role of public cooperation alongside government investment to mitigate flooding risks effectively.
As the rainy season draws closer, Senegal is ramping up efforts to avert urban flooding, particularly in its densely populated capital, Dakar. With support from various government agencies and local communities, the National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) has kicked off a significant campaign that involves dredging and draining water channels across the nation. By deploying heavy machinery and mobilizing laborers, the initiative seeks to mitigate potential flooding risks during the upcoming wet months.
Dakar, which faces the threat of flooding, typically sees its rainy season start in late June and continue through to the end of October. The risk is particularly heightened from early July to mid-October. Consequently, ONAS workers, armed with shovels, suction trucks, and excavators, are currently focused on clearing out drainage ditches in residential areas like Guediawaye, ensuring water can flow freely without obstruction from garbage or silt.
“We have deployed technical personnel and heavy machinery, including water pumping vehicles, to fully clean blocked drainage pipes, reservoirs, and culverts,” stated Djibril Samb, an ONAS staff member overseeing the field operations. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to deal with urban flooding, emphasizing the combined efforts of the government and local communities.
At the campaign’s launch, Senegal’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, underscored the importance of community involvement in these flood prevention measures. He pointed to the substantial resources the government has allocated for flood control while cautioning residents against littering or obstructing drainage systems. Public participation, he insists, is essential for effective flood management.
Since 2012, Senegal has been executing its National Flood Management Plan with the aim of bolstering its response to flooding emergencies. This plan has included the establishment of stormwater drainage infrastructures in various parts of Dakar and beyond, which has effectively lowered the instances of flooding in multiple neighborhoods.
Astou Mbengue, head of data collection at the Senegalese Federation of Residents’ Associations, has emphasized the need for the government to prioritize improvements in urban drainage. She advocates for the development of sewage and stormwater discharge networks and stresses the importance of involving residents at all stages of projects to foster a more sustainable and long-lasting approach to flooding issues.
In summary, Senegal is taking significant strides to combat urban flooding as the rainy season approaches. By uniting government actions with community involvement, and leveraging both manpower and machinery, the country aims to protect its citizens and infrastructure from the devastating effects of floods. Continued focus on infrastructure development and public participation will be crucial as towns prepare for the upcoming rainy months, ultimately contributing to better flood management in the long term.
Original Source: english.news.cn
