A high-level mission assessed, this Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the state of the rehabilitation work on the Kayes-Sandaré section, a strategic axis of the Bamako-Dakar corridor.
A high-level inspection mission visited, Wednesday, December 25, 2024, the rehabilitation site of the Kayes-Sandaré section, 138 kilometers long, on the Bamako-Dakar corridor from the north. The aim of this visit was to assess the progress of the work, identify the obstacles encountered and guide the technical teams to accelerate the pace of completion.
The project to rehabilitate this road, awarded to the Chinese company COVEC-Mali, is 100% financed by the national budget, for a total amount of 85.4 billion CFA francs. The initial planned duration of the work was 36 months, following the service order given in January 2023. The Kayes-Sandaré road constitutes a vital artery for trade and regional development, linking Mali to Senegal and facilitating trade of goods and people.
During the visit, it was noted that the work is progressing at a slower pace than expected. Despite the efforts made by COVEC-Mali, persistent delays are recorded, raising concerns. In response, firm instructions were given to strengthen human and material resources on the site. These guidelines aim to catch up with the schedule and reduce the impact of delays, particularly in the delivery of critical infrastructure.
Work currently underway includes the implementation of base layers and the start-up of drainage structures. Technical control teams are mobilized to guarantee compliance with quality and safety standards.
Project managers stressed the importance of accelerating the work, recalling that this infrastructure is a strategic priority for the government. The mission also insisted on the need for better coordination between the different stakeholders, in particular the executing company and the control missions. Technical and logistical solutions are being considered to overcome the difficulties, including better management of materials and optimization of allocated resources.
The government remains committed to seeing this project completed as soon as possible, aware of the economic and social impact it will have on the populations of the regions concerned. If the new directives are fully applied, the project could see a marked improvement from the first quarter of 2025. However, continued efforts will be necessary to maintain this dynamic and meet the final deadlines.
The rehabilitation of the Kayes-Sandaré road is impatiently awaited by local populations, who have suffered for years from the advanced state of degradation of this road. This infrastructure, once completed, is expected to play an important role in opening up rural areas, strengthening the local economy, and improving the living conditions of citizens.
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