A crucial step in the project to rehouse victims of the Langue de Barbarie disaster has just been reached in Saint-Louis. This Tuesday, the Departmental Development Committee (CDD) met to discuss the sensitive issue of demolishing homes built on the 20-meter strip, an area targeted for redevelopment as part of the SERP project.

Launched in 2018, the SERP project aims to rehouse populations affected by the advancing sea and recurring flooding in the Langue de Barbarie. After several stages, it has now reached a decisive turning point: the demolition of buildings located within the 20-meter strip. According to the prefect of Saint-Louis, Abou Sow, the affected families have already received compensation or rehousing, particularly south of Djougob.

"Whoever says redevelopment, necessarily says demolition of the homes located in this area, in order to secure the rest of the neighborhoods of Guet Ndar, Ndar Toute and Gokhou Mbathie," he recalled.

Kelimane, the successful bidder for the demolition contract, has already received its work order. It is currently in the installation phase, setting up its construction site, transporting equipment, and launching a recruitment campaign.

The company's director of quality, safety, health, and environment, Abdoulaye Gueye, emphasized the unique nature of this project. "Although it is a construction project, it has environmental and social implications. This is why we have implemented a communication plan and taken all necessary steps to ensure that the work proceeds smoothly, in compliance with the specifications and deadlines," he said.

For the authorities, this large-scale operation must be carried out with the participation of all. Technical services, local elected officials, community representatives, neighborhood leaders, and religious leaders were involved in this meeting. The goal is to raise awareness and involve all stakeholders in order to mitigate the impacts of the demolitions on security, the environment, and traffic in the city.

"This meeting constitutes an essential preparatory step before the work actually comes into effect," insisted the prefect of Saint-Louis, announcing the holding of other meetings to specify the start date.

With this mobilization, the authorities hope that the demolitions can take place peacefully and that the project to redevelop the 20-meter strip will mark a decisive step forward in securing the neighborhoods of Guet-Ndar, Gokhou Mbathie and Ndar Toute, which are exposed to coastal risks.