Senegal is intensifying flood prevention efforts in Dakar as the rainy season approaches. A campaign by ONAS focuses on dredging and clearing drainage channels, while the public’s involvement is emphasized for long-term results. The government’s National Flood Management Plan plays a key role in improving flood response and resilience.
As the rainy season nears, Senegal is ramping up efforts to prevent urban flooding. In the capital city Dakar and its surroundings, the government, along with local authorities and community members, are joining forces for effective flood control. The National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) has kicked off a significant campaign to clear and dredge water channels, a move expected to mitigate urban flood risks.
Dakar holds the title for having the highest population density in Senegal, making it especially susceptible to flooding during the rainy season. This annual flooding typically begins in late June and can last until late October, with the most severe flooding risks occurring from July through mid-October. With an eye on the impending rains, proactive measures are essential to safeguard affected areas.
In Guediawaye, a suburb of Dakar, crews are working diligently, equipped with shovels, suction trucks, and excavators. Their primary task is to clear drainage ditches filled with debris and silt, ensuring that water can flow freely, alleviating the risk of flooding. This first line of defense against potential floodwaters is pivotal in protecting urban infrastructure and communities.
Djibril Samb, an ONAS team member overseeing the site, noted, “We have deployed technical personnel and heavy machinery, including water pumping vehicles, to fully clean blocked drainage pipes, reservoirs, and culverts.” His comment underscores the scale of the campaign and the urgency of the task at hand.
During the launch event for the campaign, Senegal’s Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dieye, spoke on the critical nature of community involvement. He stated that while the government has poured resources into flood control, the work of individual citizens is indispensable. Residents were urged to refrain from littering, obstructing waterways, and damaging drainage systems, while also lending a hand in keeping their neighborhoods clean.
Since 2012, the structure of flood management has improved due to the implementation of the National Flood Management Plan. This plan has led to enhanced stormwater drainage systems across Dakar and surrounding areas, leading to notable reductions in flooding instances. It’s a significant step that highlights the ongoing commitment to tackle flood challenges head-on.
Astou Mbengue, from the Senegalese Federation of Residents’ Associations, pointed out that urban drainage improvements must be a priority. She emphasized the need for faster upgrades to sewage and stormwater systems and indicated that local resident involvement in all stages of project development and maintenance is crucial for sustainable outcomes.
In summary, Senegal is taking decisive steps to curb urban flooding as the rainy season looms. Collaborative efforts led by ONAS and the involvement of local communities aim to greatly enhance stormwater management. Continued improvements in infrastructure and public cooperation are key to minimizing flood risks in densely populated areas like Dakar.
Original Source: english.news.cn
