The Minister of Water and Sanitation, Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, officially inaugurated the Malem-Hodar sludge treatment plant. Built by the National Sanitation Office of Senegal (ONAS), this infrastructure is part of the expansion of the national sanitation network and, according to authorities, marks a turning point for this secondary city.

Addressing administrative and territorial authorities and the public, the minister emphasized the social and territorial scope of the project.

“This project is important and reflects an act, a strong commitment from His Excellency the President of the Republic, to guarantee equity and social justice throughout the country. Usually, projects of this nature, large-scale sanitation projects, were only carried out in major urban centers. Today, there is a shift towards other centers of the country, towards rural areas, to increase access to quality sanitation,” said Cheikh Tidiane Dièye.

With a capacity of 30 m³ per day, the station will collect and treat sludge from septic tanks, thus putting an end to illegal dumping practices and the long distances traveled by septic trucks.

“This facility, which is now in your hands, will provide a lasting solution to the problems you faced here in Malem-Hodar. It receives wastewater for treatment and, in our circular approach, this water can be used later, even for market gardening and other types of agriculture, thus guaranteeing the quality of life for the population and a considerable improvement in health issues,” he added.

The minister also announced prospects in the field of drinking water.

“I take this opportunity to tell you that your requests for access to drinking water have also been heard. We have major projects that will allow Malem-Hodar to benefit from increased water production. Later, we will move towards large-scale water transfer projects that will provide a lasting solution to these problems,” he assured, before concluding: “It is with pleasure that I conduct this inauguration on behalf of the highest authorities, and I look forward to seeing you here again very soon.”

For the mayor of the municipality, Babacar Yama Ka, this achievement represents a relief for the people.

“We are very pleased with this very important project. In Malem-Hodar, there were not enough latrines, but with this project, it is a real relief for the entire population. Previously, people had enormous difficulties emptying their cesspools. They had to travel to Kaffrine or Koungheul, spending very large sums of money. This project, beyond sanitation, will undoubtedly help us in agriculture and market gardening,” he rejoiced.

With this sludge treatment plant, Malem-Hodar is taking an important step towards sustainable sanitation, combining public health, environmental protection and local economic development.