Senegal is setting itself an ambitious objective: achieving universal access to drinking water by 2030, a commitment enshrined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), in particular SDG 6. This objective aims not only to guarantee access to drinking water and sanitation for all, but also to ensure sustainable management of water resources, essential for the well-being of the population. However, although significant progress has been made, challenges remain, particularly in terms of equity, accessibility and management of water resources, particularly in rural and remote areas.
Senegal’s progress in access to drinking water
Senegal displays encouraging statistics regarding access to drinking water, particularly in urban areas, with an access rate of 99% in 2022. This represents more than 6.37 million people served by home connections and more of 594,000 through standpipes. Since 2013, this rate has increased from 98% to 98.8%, marking a clear improvement in the coverage of drinking water services.
In rural areas, the rate of access to drinking water was 96.9% in 2022, also a promising result. The country appears to be on track to achieve SDG 6 by 2030, but this figure hides significant disparities, particularly in remote regions.
Disparities in rural and remote areas
Despite this progress, the reality on the ground is far from being as positive, especially in rural and remote areas of the country. While some localities benefit from drinking water, they face significant challenges, notably the cost of connections and materials needed to connect to the water supply network. In addition, the high costs of a cubic meter of water and often excessively high bills constitute major obstacles to universal access to water for many families.
Indeed, in Kaolack, Mbour, Saint-Louis, Sédhiou and Ziguinchor, populations are still faced with frequent water cuts and drops in pressure, which compromises the availability and quality of water, essential to daily life. In these areas, access to drinking water is not guaranteed on a continuous basis, and Senegal must face additional challenges linked to the sustainable management of this resource.
The challenges of sustainable management and water quality
Sustainable water management is a priority for Senegal, but it faces several obstacles. Water quality, accessibility and safety remain crucial issues. The country also faces challenges related to cross-border water management, given that some of its water resources come from basins shared with neighboring countries. Regional cooperation and equitable management of these resources are essential to ensure sustainable distribution and avoid water-related tensions.
A national strategy to guarantee universal access
To achieve the goal of universal access to water by 2030, Senegal must implement strategies focused on improving water resources management and reducing inequalities between urban and rural areas. . This requires investments in water distribution infrastructure, as well as rigorous management of water resources. Particular attention must be paid to rural areas and vulnerable populations who are often left behind in the distribution of drinking water services.
Senegal must also continue to work to reduce the costs of access to water and improve the quality of services, in particular by developing sustainable solutions such as wastewater treatment and rainwater collection. The implementation of innovative technologies, as well as appropriate incentive and financing policies, would make it possible to promote equitable and sustainable access to water for all.
Progress, but challenges remaining
In short, although Senegal is on track to achieve universal access to drinking water by 2030, many challenges remain. The disparities between urban and rural areas, as well as the difficulties in accessing quality water at an affordable price, underline the importance of more equitable and sustainable management of water resources. The country must continue to strengthen its efforts to guarantee every citizen reliable and equitable access to drinking water, while working on the cross-border management of this essential resource.
Moctar FICUU / VivAfrik
