Guy Marius Sagna Interpelle Gouvernement: Demands Action on Ziguinchor Bridge Delays

• Deputy Guy Marius Sagna has again challenged the Senegalese government over significant delays in the rehabilitation of the Émile Badiane and Tobor bridges in Ziguinchor.
• The Ageroute agency recently postponed a planned groundbreaking ceremony for the Ziguinchor bridge, previously announced for July 31, 2026, without explanation or apology.
• Sagna highlighted a history of unfulfilled assurances from former Infrastructure Ministers Yankhoba Diémé and Déthié Fall, the current Minister of Infrastructures, regarding the projects.
• He emphasized critical safety concerns, noting exposed rebar and past accidents on the Tobor bridge, and called for urgent action.
• This marks Sagna's third or fourth written question to the government on the issue since April 2024, demanding concrete actions over mere announcements.

He emphasized that for the people of Ziguinchor, a groundbreaking event offers no reassurance; what truly matters is for the work to begin and continue uninterrupted until completion.

During a recent visit to Ziguinchor, Deputy Guy Marius Sagna once again challenged the Senegalese government regarding the concerning condition of the Émile Badiane and Tobor bridges. Standing beneath the second Tobor bridge, the parliamentarian voiced strong criticism over the persistent delays in initiating rehabilitation work on these critical infrastructure projects. He specifically demanded clear explanations for the hold-ups and a definitive new timeline for the actual commencement of construction.

For several years, the state of these two bridges has been a significant source of anxiety for the residents of Ziguinchor and commuters utilizing the vital Bignona-Ziguinchor route. Mr. Sagna highlighted that he has repeatedly questioned the government since April 2024, seeking information on the measures planned to ensure public safety. This latest interpellation underscores a growing frustration with the lack of progress on essential public works in the region.

The deputy recounted a history of unfulfilled assurances from government officials regarding the rehabilitation of these key structures. He recalled that former Infrastructure Minister Yankhoba Diémé had previously informed him that the project was underway and that tender processes had been initiated. Similarly, Déthié Fall, the current Minister of Infrastructures and Mr. Diémé's successor, reportedly assured Mr. Sagna that all necessary preliminary steps had been completed and that work was imminent.

Further compounding the frustration, Mr. Sagna noted that during the reopening of the Ziguinchor airport several months prior, Déthié Fall, the current Minister of Infrastructures, had announced a groundbreaking ceremony for the Ziguinchor bridge scheduled for July 31, 2026. However, just days before this anticipated date, Ageroute, the public agency responsible for road infrastructure, declared an indefinite postponement of the ceremony. Mr. Sagna deemed this decision unacceptable, particularly criticizing the government's failure to offer apologies or provide any justification for the delay to the affected populace.

Guy Marius Sagna emphatically stated that the government owes both explanations and apologies to the public, asserting that public officials must view themselves as servants of the people. He drew a parallel with Japan, where, he noted, public figures publicly apologize when acknowledging failures in their duties, advocating for a similar culture of responsibility within Senegal. Beyond mere apologies and justifications, the deputy's primary demand is for a new, firm deadline and the tangible start of construction. He stressed that the local population is no longer content with official announcements or symbolic groundbreaking ceremonies.

He emphasized that for the people of Ziguinchor, a groundbreaking event offers no reassurance; what truly matters is for the work to begin and continue uninterrupted until completion. Mr. Sagna also drew attention to the alarming condition of the second Tobor bridge, noting exposed rebar and other signs of deterioration. He pointed out that this particular bridge has already been the site of multiple accidents involving vehicles such as cars and trucks, underscoring the urgent need for intervention to prevent more serious incidents. He urged the government to prioritize the réhabilitation ponts Sénégal, specifically these two, stating that 'prevention is better than cure' and highlighting their strategic importance for user safety and traffic flow.

In a continued effort to press the issue, Deputy Guy Marius Sagna confirmed that he submitted a new written question to the government in August. This latest action marks his third or fourth formal interpellation on the matter since April 2024, demonstrating his persistent legislative pressure on the administration regarding the state of Sénégal infrastructures Ziguinchor. He reiterated that the residents of Ziguinchor are now expecting concrete actions rather than further delays or promises.

Mr. Sagna's calls for the swift rehabilitation of both bridges are rooted in the imperative to guarantee the safety of users and maintain the continuity of traffic along this crucial axis. His broader remarks during his visit extended beyond infrastructure, touching upon wider challenges faced by Senegalese citizens, including issues related to roads, security, access to water and electricity, and other difficulties experienced by various segments of the population.

This article highlights significant political pressure on the Senegalese government regarding delays in public infrastructure projects. Lawyers advising clients on public procurement, infrastructure development, or administrative law in Senegal should note the increased scrutiny on project timelines, contractual adherence, and government accountability, which could lead to public challenges or administrative disputes if delays persist without clear justification.

Source: Original reporting via Le Quotidien