The village of Odobéré, located in the Dandé Mayo region of the Kanel department, is facing increasingly alarming river erosion. The riverbank, constantly weakened by recurring floods, is deteriorating at an alarming rate. This situation is exacerbated by repeated and uncontrolled sand extraction from the riverbank, contributing to the progressive destruction of the dunes. These dunes play a crucial role as natural barriers against the flooding of the Senegal River, and their disappearance is causing deep concern among the local population.

Faced with this threat to the ecosystem and the safety of the village, residents have taken action to call on the Senegalese government for help and demand urgent corrective measures. Mamoudou Sow, a local development worker, denounces the uncontrolled exploitation. According to him, the constant presence of numerous trucks carrying out excessive sand extraction creates serious risks. Deep holes are being dug everywhere, directly exposing the inhabitants, especially women, young people, and children who frequent the riverbanks for laundry, sports, or recreation.

Beyond the danger to humans, this degradation poses a serious threat to livestock, which risk falling into these excavations. During periods of high water, the risk of drowning becomes particularly high due to these gaping traps hidden beneath the surface. Faced with this alarming situation, Mamoudou Sow advocates for organized, responsible, and safe sand mining. He emphasizes the need for local authorities, and especially the mayor's office, to strictly regulate these activities. The goal is to protect the population by regulating extraction zones and directing operators to sites less sensitive to the environmental balance of the Dandé Mayo River.