Prime Minister Ousmane Sonko has issued a clear directive to relevant ministerial departments, urging them to implement all essential measures to avert potential flooding ahead of the forthcoming rainy season.

During Wednesday’s Council of Ministers session, the head of government delivered stringent instructions aimed at bolstering preparedness against the risks associated with the wintering period. Government spokesperson Marie Rose Faye confirmed that a series of urgent interventions are slated for immediate execution.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Sonko underscored the critical importance of strategically pre-positioning response assets and organizing a comprehensive inter-ministerial simulation exercise. This crucial drill, scheduled to take place before June 15, 2026, will assess the state services’ readiness and capacity to react effectively in the face of potential disaster scenarios.

The official communiqué from the Council of Ministers also highlighted that the government is actively engaged in several preparatory initiatives. These include the thorough clearing of water evacuation networks, meticulous verification of drainage infrastructure, the strategic deployment of essential pumping equipment, and the development of robust emergency action plans for identified high-risk areas.

Recognizing the multi-faceted nature of flood mitigation efforts, Ousmane Sonko urged all state agencies to operate in seamless synergy. This collaborative approach will be coordinated by the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation, with vital support from the Ministry of Interior, particularly concerning civil protection matters and comprehensive crisis management.