InvestigationRecommendations / courses of action

Recurring water cuts in Dakar: where do things stand in 2025?

This page presents the recommendations drawn from the citizen analysis, the data collected and the institutional responses.

Priority recommendations

Urgently rehabilitate the oldest pipes to reduce leaks and bursts.
Strengthen preventive maintenance and the rapid-response capacity of technical teams.
Publish a provisional schedule of cuts by area and stick to it.
Improve information and communication to citizens before, during and after cuts.

Infrastructure
- Renew old pipes with a high leak rate.
- Modernise pumping and treatment stations.
- Deploy real-time pressure and leak sensors.
- Secure the power supply of critical facilities.
Governance & coordination
- Create a permanent Dakar Water coordination unit.
- Better plan works with local authorities and utilities.
- Strengthen coordination between SONES, SDE and local authorities.
- Ensure regular accountability on commitments.
Citizen communication
- Announce planned cuts 48 hours in advance.
- Use SMS, social networks, radio and local posters.
- Set up a free hotline and a dedicated chatbot.
- Share water-saving and hygiene advice.
Monitoring & transparency
- Publish key indicators: duration, frequency, affected areas.
- Keep an open performance dashboard up to date.
- Involve citizens in monitoring projects and commitments.
- Make audit and evaluation reports public.

Recommended action plan
No.	Action	Responsible	Priority	Target date	Recommended status
1	Rehabilitate the oldest pipes (phases 1 & 2)	SONES / SDE	High	Q2 2025	To launch
2	Set up systematic preventive maintenance	SONES	High	Q3 2025	In progress
3	Roll out a schedule of cuts by area	SONES / SDE	High	Q2 2025	To launch
4	Roll out a multichannel information system	SONES / SDE	Medium	Q3 2025	In progress
5	Improve the management of stocks and spare parts	SONES	Medium	Q4 2025	Planned
6	Improve pressure in high-lying areas	SONES / SDE	Medium	Q1 2026	Planned