Programme de Modernisation des Villes (PROMOVILLES): Urban Transformation and Development in Senegal

Visit Senegala dynamic, booming country, is at a crucial turning point in its urban development. Visit City Modernization Program (PROMOVILLES)with its colossal budget of 280 billion FCFA, represents an ambitious and strategic initiative aimed at radically transforming Senegal's urban landscape.

In the face of accelerating urbanization and its associated challenges, PROMOVILLES appears to be a well-thought-out, holistic response to shaping the future of Senegal's cities. This program is not limited to the simple modernization of infrastructure; it embraces a broader vision, seeking to significantly improve the quality of life of urban citizens while laying the foundations for sustainable, balanced development.

Urban context and modernization requirements

Senegal's galloping urbanization has been remarkable in recent decades. The rate of urbanization, which has almost doubled since 1960, reaching 45% in 2013, reveals a rapid transformation of the country's geographic and demographic structure. This urbanization, often uncontrolled, has led to a series of complex challenges. Among these, urban mobility stands out as a major problem: one household in five has difficulty accessing public transport, which accentuates isolation and limits economic opportunities for many city dwellers. In addition, safety problems due to inadequate street lighting and flood risks exacerbated by climate change further complicate urban life.

Against this backdrop, the Emerging Senegal Plan (PSE)adopted in 2014, constitutes a national strategy aimed at accelerating progress towards an emerging and prosperous Senegal. Axis 2 of the PES focuses on meeting basic social needs, recognizing that sustainable human development is a prerequisite for balanced socio-economic development. Decentralization, a key element of this strategy, aims to create viable, competitive territories capable of driving sustainable development. With this in mind, PROMOVILLES is a strategic tool for achieving these ambitious goals.

Objectives and scope of PROMOVILLES

PROMOVILLES is justified not only by the need to modernize urban infrastructure, but also as a means of reducing social and economic disparities. The program aims to improve access to road infrastructure, strengthen drainage systems to combat flooding and improve the quality of life. floodingThese specific objectives are complementary and interdependent, forming a coherent plan for sustainable urban development. These specific objectives are complementary and interdependent, forming a coherent plan for sustainable urban development.

In addition to building and renovating infrastructure, PROMOVILLES aims to stimulate endogenous economic growth. By improving access to basic services and infrastructure, the program aims to create economic opportunities in urban centers, thus fostering more inclusive and balanced economic development. This holistic approach is perfectly in line with public policies on decentralization and local development, aimed at reducing poverty and social exclusion.

Program components and achievements

The program has four main components:

1. Development of Road Infrastructures and their Dependencies This component involves the construction of over 700 km of roadways, including drainage systems, street lighting and landscaping. The aim is to facilitate urban mobility and make cities more accessible and pleasant to live in.
2. Related developments and measures This involves the provision of basic social and economic facilities, such as the rehabilitation or construction of schools, health centers and community structures. This component aims to directly improve the quality of life of citizens and meet basic social needs.
3. Institutional support for local authorities This component focuses on capacity building for local authorities, a crucial element in the efficient and sustainable management of urban infrastructure and services.
4. Program management Efficient and transparent management is essential to the success of the program. This component aims to ensure effective coordination and monitoring of the various initiatives under PROMOVILLES.

Financing and Implementation

The financing of PROMOVILLES illustrates the commitment of the government Senegal and its international partners, such as the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IDB). The program is being implemented in several phases, each targeting specific aspects of urban modernization. The first phase, launched in 2017 with a budget of 89 billion FCFA, marked the concrete start of this nationwide project.

Visit City Modernization Program (PROMOVILLES) is positioned as a catalyst for change in Senegal. By combining infrastructure modernization, improved quality of life and economic development, this program embodies a long-term vision for sustainable and inclusive urban development. The potential impact of PROMOVILLES on Senegalese society is immense, offering a unique opportunity to redefine the country's urban future.