Senegal/Matam: More Than 80 Million CFA in Equipment to Strengthen Flood Control Efforts

The International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) handed over to the authorities in Matam (in the north), on Monday, a shipment of equipment worth more than 80 million CFA francs, intended to strengthen their capacity to prevent and respond to emergencies, particularly floods.

The Peacebuilding Fund (PBF) and the Spanish Embassy also provided support for this initiative.

According to Aboubackry Wélé, a project officer at the IOM, this grant follows a needs assessment conducted in collaboration with authorities in Matam and other regions to identify the equipment needed for a rapid response tailored to the realities of the communities.

The equipment received falls into several categories, including coordination equipment, operational resources, and water, hygiene, and sanitation (WHS) supplies.

The coordination component includes tents, basic equipment, and IT equipment designed to facilitate decision-making and the monitoring of field operations.

The operational component includes, in particular, motorized pumps, batteries, and other equipment that enables response units to be rapidly mobilized in the event of a disaster.

In the area of water, hygiene, and sanitation, the support includes, in particular, 5,000-liter water tanks designed to facilitate water supply to communities in emergency situations, as well as emergency sanitation panels.

Speaking at the equipment handover ceremony, the deputy prefect of Matam, Youssouf Sèye, praised the partners’ contribution, noting that it reinforces the Senegalese government’s efforts to combat flooding.

He recalled that the Matam region experienced particularly alarming floods in 2024 and 2025, which exposed the population to numerous hardships, particularly in terms of health, food security, and the economy.

Mr. Sèye explained that this allocation follows a request made by the regional monitoring committee, to which the partners responded favorably.

He also expressed the administrative authorities’ gratitude to the Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the Spanish Embassy, and all partners who contributed to securing this support.

Finally, the deputy prefect assured that the equipment received will be put to good use to improve response capabilities and strengthen support for communities affected by disasters.

Source: aps.sn/