The Minister of Water Resources and Sanitation, Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye, conducted a field visit to the department of Koungheul to assess the progress of the Water Resources Mobilization Project of the Nanija Bolong Watershed (PROMOREN).

The visit, guided by the Director General of the Office of Lakes and Watercourses (OLAC), allowed the minister to tour several strategic sites of this major project launched last year by the President of the Republic. At this stage, the work is 30% complete, according to technical officials. The minister deemed this progress satisfactory given the established timeline.

"This project was launched last year by His Excellency the President of the Republic and we made a commitment to return whenever necessary to see firsthand the progress of the work, make our observations, evaluate and monitor this project, the importance of which is undeniable," said the minister.

With an estimated mobilization capacity of over 46 million cubic meters of water, the project spans more than fifty kilometers and will impact about ten municipalities in the department. "Ultimately, without this project, it would be difficult to sustainably develop agricultural, pastoral, and economic activities in this area," emphasized Dr. Cheikh Tidiane Dièye.

During the tour, the delegation visited a major construction project as well as several crossing structures designed to facilitate the mobility of the population. "I insisted that certain structures be completed before the rainy season to allow people to move around properly," he stated.

The reservoirs have significant storage capacities, with waterproofing techniques designed to retain water for as long as possible. "We will accelerate initiatives to anticipate the development of income-generating activities around these reservoirs," the minister announced, emphasizing the need to prepare communities now for future agricultural and economic opportunities.

While generally satisfied, the minister nevertheless instructed the Director General of OLAC to strengthen monitoring to maintain the pace. "The deadlines are well on track to be met, but we must continue to accelerate certain components to fulfill the commitments made," he insisted.

A steering committee is planned to assess the overall progress of the project, identify any potential constraints, and make the necessary decisions to ensure the work is completed on schedule. Ultimately, this project aims to sustainably transform local ecosystems and improve the living conditions of the beneficiary populations.