Senegal Intensifies Flood Prevention Strategies Ahead of Rainy Season
With the rainy season on the horizon, Senegal is ramping up flood prevention efforts by involving government agencies, local authorities, and communities. The National Office of Sanitation is leading a campaign to dredge water channels and enhance drainage systems, particularly in flood-prone areas like Dakar, as part of a National Flood Management Plan initiated in 2012.
As the rainy season approaches West Africa, Senegal is stepping up its multi-pronged approach to urban flooding prevention. The National Office of Sanitation (ONAS) has initiated an extensive campaign focusing on dredging and draining water channels across the capital city, Dakar, and other affected regions. This proactive measure involves significant manpower and heavy machinery to work alongside local communities, all aimed at minimizing the potential for flooding as this critical season nears.
Dakar ranks as Senegal’s most densely populated city and is notably at risk for flooding during the rainy months. The regional climatology indicates that the rainy season usually kicks off in late June and extends to late October, with the peak flooding risk occurring between early July and mid-October. The urgency of addressing urban flooding in this populous city has never been higher.
In the suburban neighborhood of Guediawaye, teams equipped with shovels, suction trucks, and excavators busily clear areas that are prone to flooding. The workers focus on eliminating waste and sediment from drainage systems to ensure that water flows freely during heavy rainfall. This ground-level effort highlights the seriousness of flood prevention in daily urban life.
On-site supervising staff member, Djibril Samb from ONAS, detailed the operations: “We have deployed technical personnel and heavy machinery, including water pumping vehicles, to fully clean blocked drainage pipes, reservoirs, and culverts.” His words underscore the thoroughness of the initiatives being rolled out in the region.
During the campaign’s launch, Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane Dieye emphasized the critical role of public cooperation in tackling the flood issue. He urged citizens to refrain from littering, obstructing waterways, or damaging drainage infrastructure. He stressed that community engagement in cleaning efforts is essential for success.
Since 2012, Senegal has been executing its National Flood Management Plan, which aims to enhance events related to flood disaster response. The ongoing development of stormwater drainage systems in urban areas has markedly improved the situation, leading to a reduction in flooding experiences in various locales.
Astou Mbengue, who heads data collection at the Senegalese Federation of Residents’ Associations, advocates for increased governmental focus on advancing urban drainage initiatives and expediting upgrades to sewage and stormwater systems. She stresses the importance of involving residents in every stage of project development to create a sustainable and effective long-term outcome.
In summary, Senegal’s coordinated approach to flood prevention is vital as the rainy season approaches. Through the National Office of Sanitation, significant efforts are being made in collaboration with local communities to ensure effective drainage and reduce flood risk. Public involvement appears crucial to the success of these initiatives, as emphasized by government officials and community leaders alike. The National Flood Management Plan continues to underscore the importance of infrastructure improvements as a key strategy for the nation’s ongoing flood challenges.
Original Source: english.news.cn
