During a recent interministerial council focused on state infrastructure and assets, Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko presided over discussions where he unveiled the comprehensive findings of an audit. This audit scrutinized numerous public initiatives and vital strategic holdings across the country. Addressing government officials, the head of government presented a troubling assessment of how infrastructure and public land have been managed. He cited a pattern of incomplete projects, underutilized facilities, and state-owned real estate transactions conducted under what he described as questionable circumstances. Furthermore, Sonko voiced his profound dissatisfaction with the judicial system’s approach to cases involving the stewardship of public funds.

At the gathering, Sonko revealed that an inventory conducted by the Prime Minister’s departments uncovered 245 infrastructure projects and strategic assets nationwide that are currently either stalled, incomplete, or operating below their potential. The collective financial outlay for these projects, according to the presented data, surpasses 5,000 billion FCfa – a sum nearly on par with Senegal’s entire annual budget. He detailed that these affected infrastructures encompass a wide range, including roadways, medical facilities, maritime ports, sports arenas, secondary schools, government structures, and refrigeration plants.

Challenges revealed by the infrastructure audit

Reflecting on the sheer scale of the funds committed, the head of government remarked that the audit report’s revelations were “beyond comprehension.” He expressed profound concern over the vast financial resources tied up in infrastructure projects, many of which have remained unutilized for several years. He also pointed out that some analysts draw parallels between this immobilized capital and the nation’s total public debt.

The audit presented to the Prime Minister’s office further identified 30 projects that, despite being fully completed, have yet to be brought into service. Among these, 25 are grappling with what are described as significant impediments, leading to a financial immobilization of 279 billion FCfa. Prime Minister Sonko specifically highlighted instances such as the Port of Dakhonga, along with several fishing quays and cold storage facilities, which, he noted, absorbed substantial investments but have failed to deliver the anticipated advantages to the populace.

Moreover, the report delves into the status of ongoing construction initiatives. The figures disclosed indicate that out of 94 infrastructures currently under development, 62 are effectively at a standstill. The financial commitment for these projects is estimated at more than 5,227 billion FCfa. Sonko particularly drew attention to the case of the Sandiara high school, stating that its construction commenced in 2014 and remains incomplete. The Prime Minister condemned this protracted timeline as unacceptable for the realization of an educational facility.

Beyond the realm of physical infrastructure, the interministerial council also scrutinized the nation’s land and real estate assets. Data presented indicated the identification of 97 properties, predominantly located within the Dakar region, with an estimated worth of 132 billion FCfa. Sonko asserted that several strategically important state-owned land parcels were allegedly divested during the previous administration without adherence to requisite procedures or, where applicable, without the necessary parliamentary approval.

In this context, he referenced the former site of the gendarmerie headquarters, which he stated was initially transferred to a private entity before being reclaimed by the state. The Prime Minister further alleged that certain land plots, valued between 10 and 15 billion FCfa, were reportedly sold for sums below one billion FCfa. The current administration maintains that several assets previously considered alienated from the national patrimony have since been retrieved.

The judicial dimension of the issue formed another pivotal discussion point. Addressing Justice Minister Yassine Fall directly, Ousmane Sonko publicly expressed his bewilderment regarding the perceived absence of legal proceedings in matters linked to these significant financial losses. He conveyed his skepticism about the effectiveness of the accountability process, remarking that he occasionally questions “whether it is even worthwhile to continue.”

The Prime Minister then declared that “the system remains unbroken,” suggesting that certain individuals implicated in the management of public funds continue to evade judicial concern. He articulated the difficulty in demanding sacrifices from citizens when those allegedly responsible for embezzlement or poor management have yet to face prosecution. With strong criticism, he alluded to what he termed “judicial sabotage,” subtly implicating certain magistrates in the sluggish progression of sensitive cases. He reiterated his conviction that “these cases do not belong to the magistrates” but rather “to the Senegalese people,” signaling his intent to potentially “raise the tone” in the coming days.

In response to these criticisms, Justice Minister Yassine Fall affirmed that individuals found culpable would be held accountable for their actions. However, this assurance did not entirely alleviate the Prime Minister’s reservations, who underscored the urgent need to expedite legal processes and clearly define responsibilities.

Establishment of a monitoring committee

To ensure the implementation of the decisions made, Ousmane Sonko announced the immediate formation of a monitoring committee. This body will operate under the direct oversight of the Prime Minister’s office, with Sonko himself at its helm. Its mandate includes continuing the comprehensive inventory of stalled projects, pinpointing areas of accountability, and facilitating the identification of funding solutions. The government is also exploring strategies to enhance the value of certain public assets, either through public-private partnerships or by utilizing these holdings as financial leverage via the Fonsis fund.

Concluding the interministerial council, the Prime Minister issued eleven directives designed to address the identified financial, legal, and technical impediments. Among these measures, two were designated as definitive orientations. The first entrusts the Minister, Secretary-General of the Government, in collaboration with the Minister of Infrastructure, relevant sectoral ministries, and all involved parties, with the task of continuing the inventory to compile an exhaustive record of projects and infrastructures slated for commissioning, completion, or for repurposing and valorization. The second directive mandates the establishment of an inclusive committee, to be chaired by the Prime Minister, responsible for advancing the inventory efforts and overseeing the diligent execution of the agreed-upon actions.

The remaining directives primarily pertain to the meticulous planning and execution of infrastructure projects. Ousmane Sonko instructed all ministers to ensure greater attention is paid to technical considerations, specifically connections to water, electricity, and telecommunications networks, as well as the appropriate equipping of infrastructures. He additionally emphasized the crucial need to establish effective models for operation, sustainable management, and maintenance to guarantee the long-term viability of public investments.