Dakar, Nov 26 (APS) – The Minister of Infrastructure and Land and Air Transport, Malick Ndiaye, proceeded on Tuesday to the inauguration of the Front de Terre flyover, built to improve the flow of traffic between the said district , Bourguiba Avenue, the Patte d’oie-Malick Sy and Grand-Yoff highways, in Dakar.
The work cost 14.5 billion CFA francs, according to the Road Works and Management Agency (Ageroute). It extends over 560 meters.
The Front de Terre flyover will ensure the fluidity of urban traffic [dans les quartiers voisins] and, indirectly, on the Patte d’oie-Malick Sy highway,” assures Ageroute.
It will “positively impact urban mobility by improving traffic flow”, adds the Road Works and Management Agency.
The flyover will, at the same time, provide pedestrian walkways and relaxation areas for Dakar residents.
Parking spaces are provided around the structure, which houses equipment intended for the practice of sport.
”It is important to raise awareness among users, to encourage them to take ownership of this work which, naturally, will contribute to the fluidity of traffic in Dakar,” said Malick Ndiaye after inaugurating the flyover .
The National Sanitation Office of Senegal and the Ministry of Hydraulics and Sanitation will contribute to its maintenance, according to Mr. Ndiaye.
According to Malick Ndiaye, the Ministry of the Interior and Public Security will help ensure order around the structure, which was built on more than half of the Front de Terre weekly market. ”This is what was done with the TER (regional express train), whose security is ensured by the National Gendarmerie.”
Mr. Ndiaye believes that ”there is no point in building infrastructure with billions and finding ourselves in the previous situation, with traffic jams”.
He assures that the construction program of bridges, flyovers and other road infrastructure will continue, particularly in the north and south of the country.
The Front de Terre flyover was built in such a way as to improve the living environment of local residents, according to the engineer in charge of its work, Moussa Sèye.
”The populations must take ownership of it and make good use of it,” said Mr. Sèye, noting that sanitation works, relaxation and sports areas have been set up under the flyover.
For the usefulness and effectiveness of the work, ”cluttering must be avoided, the populations must help us not to clutter the sidewalks,” he continued.
ESF/AKS
