Transport networks are being constructed to speed up business and boost efficiency
The modernization of Senegal's transport infrastructure is one of the government's top priorities, with officials investing billions of dollars in new roads, highways, bridges, airports, railways and rolling stock, plus port facilities.
With the help of international investors from the public and private sectors, as well as international organizations that promote development in Africa, the dynamic nation is rapidly improving its road and rail networks as it gears up for further economic expansion.
Given the importance of the country's highways - up to 90 percent of passenger and freight journeys are made by road - the foundations for Senegal's present and future socioeconomic development most certainly lie in its road network.
Public investment in the roads sector tripled in the 2000 to 2008 period compared to the 1993 to 2000 period. Regional towns and cities are now better connected to the capital, and massive urban projects have improved the quality of life for countless people.
China has played a prominent role in the rehabilitation of existing roads and the creation of safe new highways that can handle the large traffic volumes created by the tens of thousands of cars, buses, lorries and trucks that use the roads daily.
In addition to designing, planning and constructing these new highways, Chinese enterprises have financed a large number of projects, and Chinese-made machinery and technology has been utilized during all phases of the construction cycle.
Many of the impressive projects have not only improved efficiency levels and raised living standards for the general population, they have also attracted foreign businesses and facilitated trade with import and export partners in countries throughout Africa and around the world.
"The infrastructure sector is the basis for improving economic competitiveness. This is the basis for sustainable development because, ultimately, it comes to mobility, a major thrust to eradicate poverty," stated President Abdoulaye Wade. "We need to construct tens of thousands of kilometers of roads made from higher quality materials. Like all infrastructure projects open to foreign bidders, our transport-related tenders are published in China, the US, and Europe. I invite China to participate in these very important projects and enjoy Senegal, its skilled workforce and high level of expertise."
Current major road-building programs include the construction of a major toll road between Dakar and the new Blaise Diagne International Airport. This important new wide-lane highway will ensure businessmen, tourists and workers can reach their hotels or luxury resorts faster than before.
Road and rail projects
In a clear sign of the progress made, a 2008 government study showed that nearly two thirds of Senegal's classified roads are in a "good" or "average" condition, compared to just 30 percent in 2000.
The challenging target is for 90 percent of roads to be in satisfactory condition by 2012. This ambitious goal forms part of a comprehensive five-year highways improvements strategy that will be supported by foreign governments, organizations, donor agencies and private investors.
Priority projects include:
Rehabilitation of the road Rufisque-Bambilor-Mboro-Lompoul
Completion of the Passy-Sokone corridors, Nioro-Gambia border
Development of the road Touba Toul-Tivaouane Khombole
Rehabilitation of the road Touba Dahra Lingure and Louga-Dahra
In addition, the government has identified the main Dakar-Bamako rail corridor as an "important axis of development and economic liberation" for Senegal's trade relations with Mali. Further improvement works to the Port of Dakar will also be carried out.
"The combination of the port and airport will make us a major hub of international trade and economic exchanges; Senegal will have the advantage of being connected to major markets," said Karim Wade, minister of international cooperation, air transports, infrastructures and energy (MICATTI).
"Our objective is to build highways north to south from Dakar to Mauritania, and east to west. These projects will help Senegal take advantage of its excellent geographical position."
Mining sector open
Meanwhile, Senegal's mining industry has attracted millions of dollars of investment from foreign companies over the past few years. Rich in minerals like phosphates, iron ore and marble, the industry has embraced the Build, Operate and Transfer (BOT) method of project financing.
BOT projects are popular in Africa as they enable a company to construct a building, network or facility in return for a concession. This concession then enables the firm to recover its original investment, as well as the operating and maintenance expenses created by the project.
"China is very interested in our mining sector because the sector's potential is massive," stated President Wade. "I was recently contacted by a Chinese company that wants to extract and manufacture our marble.
"We own significant amounts of phosphate and require the involvement of Chinese investors to take advantage of these mutually beneficial opportunities. Senegal wants its Chinese friends to invest in such growth sectors; we welcome Chinese investors with open arms."
China and Senegal further cemented their close cultural bonds in March 2011 when President Wade announced Chinese construction companies had won the coveted contract to build the magnificent new "Seven Wonders" complex in Dakar.
The eye-catching arts and cultural center will cover 10 hectares of prime real estate and feature a national theater, school of fine arts, national library, concert hall and art museum.
The large family-oriented center, which is expected to attract leading international artists and thosuands of tourists, will also house an art school and feature an attractive museum of African history.
Source:cmbol.com