Gambiaj.com – (DAKAR, Senegal) – President Bassirou Diomaye Faye has announced significant progress for Senegal’s water management strategy following his recent visit to Saudi Arabia. The Senegalese leader revealed that the initial contract with ACWA Power, a major Saudi-based company, for the construction of a large-scale desalination plant has been renegotiated.
This project, valued at approximately 459 billion CFA francs (about $760 million), had previously drawn scrutiny due to concerns over its feasibility and expense, particularly during the tenure of former President Macky Sall.
President Faye’s mission to Saudi Arabia was a strategic effort to strengthen bilateral ties and secure a deal that better served Senegal’s national interests. “The relationship between Senegal and Saudi Arabia will see new perspectives. We have received assurances from Saudi authorities to better incorporate Senegal’s needs into this project,” President Faye stated, underscoring the enhanced partnership.
The President emphasized that the revised agreement with ACWA Power reflects a more balanced and sustainable approach tailored to Senegal’s long-term goals. “I have instructed the relevant ministries to review this proposal, which appears more balanced and aligned with our long-term goals,” he noted, highlighting the thorough discussions that took place during his visit.
This decision aligns with earlier actions by Minister of Water and Sanitation Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, who in July canceled the original agreement, citing its high cost and inadequate provisions for meeting the country’s water supply needs. “This contract, signed in the final days of the former president’s mandate, did not meet Senegal’s current requirements for potable water supply,” Dièye had explained.
President Faye has directed the Ministry of Water to coordinate with other key sectoral ministries to ensure that the revised project aligns with broader national priorities in energy, agriculture, and infrastructure. “I asked the Minister of Water to work closely with energy and other sectoral stakeholders to propose a long-term, sustainable solution that respects our environment,” President Faye said.
The updated partnership with Saudi Arabia is part of a broader cooperation framework that promises benefits across various critical sectors, positioning Senegal as a strategic partner in the region. This strengthened alliance signals potential expansions into energy, agriculture, and digital infrastructure, enhancing Senegal’s overall development.
With this new offer from ACWA Power and reinforced bilateral relations, the Senegalese government is determined to provide reliable water resources for its citizens, aiming to meet current and future needs effectively and sustainably.
