The Association of Approved Control and Inspection Offices of Senegal (ACIAS) celebrated its 20th anniversary on December 20, 2025, at the Polytechnic School of Thiès. Under the theme "20 Years of Expertise Serving Quality and Safety in Construction and Public Works," this celebration provided an opportunity to revisit two decades of collective commitment to the development of the building and public works sector in Senegal.

The ceremony brought together representatives from institutions, construction professionals, higher education establishments, as well as technical and financial partners. It featured presentations, discussions, testimonials, and an exhibition retracing the history of ACIAS and the evolution of vehicle inspection in Senegal.

Issa Diouf, president of ACIAS, thanked the State for its support and advocated for a decree recognizing ACIAS as a public utility. He also requested that December 20th be declared National Vehicle Inspector Day.

"This December 20th is a great day for Senegalese inspectors and the 16 inspection offices in Senegal. The establishment of ACIAS was requested by the State of Senegal in 2005. Its essential role is to work to secure constructions in Senegal. We thank the Senegalese State for its commitment alongside the association so that constructions are more durable and safer," said Issa Diouf, President of ACIAS.

According to him, building control offices play an important role in construction. Mr. Diouf noted that Senegal has experienced several building collapses in recent years. To prevent this, he believes strict adherence to the Building Code is necessary.

"It is well established in the Building Code that structures are subject to technical control. To build, you must go through an architect, a geotechnical design office, a technical design office and a control office which is an important link in the construction. This is what must be respected to fight against building collapses. We ask all builders to go to the technical control offices," said Issa Diouf.

The Director General of Construction and Housing Regulations, Moussa Tine, emphasized the commitment of the Ministry of Urban Planning, Local Authorities, and Territorial Development to ACIAS. "The Ministry expresses its full support for the ACIAS office and commends the actions it has undertaken over the years. We are at a crucial stage of reforms in the construction sector. Today, celebrating ACIAS's 20th anniversary, reminds us of our obligations and the challenges ahead. It is also an opportunity to share and discuss the problems in the construction industry and the ongoing reforms," he stated.

For Mr. Tine, construction is a field that presents risks. "In one year, we have seen more than 16 victims caused by non-compliance with regulations. Construction must be carried out according to best practices. Each stakeholder has a crucial role to play. This is the process that must be respected, from the architect's initial request to the handing over of the keys. The building code takes into account the entire process that leads us to build according to regulations," added Mr. Tine.

He believes our construction methods need to be reviewed and that we need architecture adapted to our climate. "We can't continue to have buildings that develop problems after 5 or 10 years. We can build better. The government has committed to enforcing the building code. There are difficulties, but we will first go through an educational phase so that people understand the risks and the penalties for poor practices," he stated.