The interruption of the contract in the regions of Saint-Louis, Louga, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, and Kédougou affects thousands of Senegalese, deepening inequality and delaying rural development.
Soldecanarias.net / Adeje
Serious impact for thousands of Senegalese due to the suspension of the electrification project
ARCOP suspends the electrification project in 1,600 localities, leaving thousands of rural residents without access to electricity
The Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (ARCOP) has decided to immediately suspend the electrification project for 1,600 localities in the regions of Saint-Louis, Louga, Kaffrine, Tambacounda, and Kédougou. This measure has a devastating impact on thousands of Senegalese citizens who, due to this halt, will continue to lack access to an essential service such as electricity, delaying the development and quality of life in these communities.
Direct consequences for users
The suspension of the project severely affects rural areas of Senegal, where access to electricity is vital to improve the daily lives of its inhabitants. Without the promised service, the affected communities will continue to face:
• Lack of access to basic services: Electricity is key for the operation of health centers, schools, and small businesses. Without it, the population continues to be unable to access essential services such as adequate medical care, quality education, and opportunities for economic growth.
• Delay in rural development: The project was seen as a crucial opportunity to combat poverty and promote economic development in remote areas. The absence of electricity directly affects the ability of farmers, traders, and families to improve their living conditions and productivity.
• Increased inequality: This suspension exacerbates the inequality between urban and rural areas of Senegal. While cities advance in access to modern infrastructure, thousands of rural citizens remain marginalized and unable to integrate into the country’s economic growth.
Irregularities and negligence in project management
The trigger for this crisis is the poor management of the contract awarded to the Spanish company AEE POWER EPC, which, after receiving an advance payment of 7.7 million euros, diverted the funds to pay insurance premiums instead of starting the electrification works. This illegal action not only violates the contractual provisions but also indefinitely delays access to electricity for thousands of people who depend on this project.
In addition, Banco Santander, the project’s main financier, has suspended its financial support, further worsening the situation. Until the irregularities are clarified, the future of the project remains uncertain, leaving rural communities in a vulnerable position.
Exclusion of the local company AEE POWER SENEGAL SA
Throughout this process, the unfair exclusion of the Senegalese company AEE POWER SENEGAL SA, which had carried out the preliminary procedures and was the original promoter of the project, has also been highlighted. The lack of involvement of local actors worsens the situation, as it further compromises the possibility of a quick and effective solution for the electrification of these localities.
Urgent need for a solution
Given this scenario, ARCOP urges a swift resolution of the investigations and a possible restructuring of the project to ensure that public funds are used transparently and that the affected communities can access electricity as soon as possible. Thousands of lives depend on an efficient and responsible solution.
