The collective for the defense of the interests of the Ndiosmone – Fimela – Palmarin – Djiffère axis raises its voice against the establishment of the exit of the Mbour – Fatick – Kaolack toll highway in Thiadiaye.

In a public statement, its president, Birama Ndiaye, believes that this choice "borders on the ridiculous" and does not respond to either economic realities or the needs of the people in the area.

According to the collective, the current exit only really serves the communes of Thiadiaye, Nguéniène and Fissel, whereas the site initially planned in Médina Dokh, in the village of Khondiogne Tattaguine on the Ndiosmone – Fimela axis, presented a much greater socio-economic and tourist potential.

Members of the collective argue that an exit located in Medina Dokh would serve several strategic localities, including Tattaguine, Loul Sessène, Djilass, Dioffior, Fimela, Samba Dia, Palmarin and Djiffère as well as the islands of Saloum under the jurisdiction of the district of Niodior.

"There is no point in even comparing the two areas, either demographically or socioeconomically," laments the group, which considers this decision a mistake by the previous regime.

The group is therefore calling on the authorities, particularly the Ministry of Infrastructure, to revise the project in order to create full access—entrance and exit—to Medina Dokh. For its members, this infrastructure is “a necessity” and even “a matter of survival and dignity” for the affected populations.

Residents are also denouncing the difficulties caused by the current route. To access the highway, users in the area would be forced to travel several kilometers to Thiadiaye before returning to National Route 1 to reach their towns.

Coming from Kaolack, the situation would be just as complex: motorists must pass the Ndiosmone – Fimela road, continue to Thiadiaye, then turn back on the national road before turning towards Ndiosmone.

The group believes that the highway, intended to facilitate the movement of people and goods, has instead created new constraints for local populations.

In its appeal, the group recalls that this grievance has already been brought to the attention of local administrative authorities, the Minister of Infrastructure Déthié Fall, as well as "at the highest level of the State".

Finally, the leaders invite all the active forces of the Ndiosmone – Fimela – Palmarin – Djiffère axis to remain mobilized in order to achieve their goal.