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The Minister of Hydraulics and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, visited the Podor department this Friday, which has been severely affected by torrential rains and rising water levels in the Senegal River. The aim of the visit was to assess the progress of the state's damming and sanitation work in the area, particularly in Dara Halaybé, a major religious city.

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After paying a visit to the Caliph of Dara Halaybé, the minister visited two major projects: the development and sanitation project of the Gamou esplanade and the protective dike built on the banks of the river in Ngouye.

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"If we are here today, it is to note the progress of very important and structuring works, desired and requested by the Holy Man. These are embankment works intended to protect the village against the advance of the river," explained Cheikh Tidiane Dièye.

Every year, land disappeared due to rising waters, creating serious threats to the population. These works also aim to secure the esplanade where the Gamou, a major religious event that has long been plagued by flooding, is held each year.

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The minister praised the mobilization of religious and local authorities, as well as the contribution of communities, particularly the diaspora, before recalling that "the State provides the necessary support, but that there is also a civic dimension which participates in the building of the Republic."

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Faced with fears related to the predicted heavy rains, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye was keen to reassure: "For the moment, there are no major disasters, but we are prioritizing prevention. We are facing extreme phenomena, and no one can say that there will be no floods. But the State is putting in place measures to anticipate and best protect localities."

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The ministerial tour will continue in other vulnerable areas of the North, including Matam, Bakel, and Kidira. The objective is to anticipate risks and strengthen protection measures for riverside populations.

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Saying he was "satisfied with the progress of the work," the minister emphasized that the work carried out by military engineers constitutes a first step: stabilizing vulnerable areas before raising the height of the dike and extending its protection. "In the relatively near future, many of the problems can be resolved, even if we cannot completely eliminate the risks associated with nature," he added.

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Finally, Sheikh Tidiane Dièye expressed his gratitude to the Caliph, the local authorities and the people for their welcome and cooperation. "With the blessing of the Holy Man, we are convinced that this work will bear fruit and that, gradually, we will succeed in sustainably protecting this city dear to all of Senegal," he concluded.