Preparations for the 146th edition of the annual Gamou of Thiénaba were the subject of a special meeting of the CRD (Regional Development Committee) of Thiès, this Monday, August 18, 2025.

All the heads of department and the organizing committee of the religious event met with Governor Saër Ndao to discuss the prerequisites, problems and difficulties, but also to anticipate the State's commitments, which were also renewed before the CRD.

For the head of the regional executive, "we all agree that problems sometimes persist, but, in reality, there are not many."

The CRD is very reassured about many of its commitments, especially regarding safety, Senelec, hydraulics, and hygiene. "We were very reassured about all these commitments, because even the organizing committee confirmed the excellent work that has been done," said Saër Ndao, who said that "the commitments that have been made can be respected at this level."

However, some concerns were raised regarding health. In this regard, the committee suggested increasing the budget allocated to medicines from 11 million to 14 million CFA francs. And then, the governor reassured, "we will make the necessary plea to the supervisory ministry to see how this concern can be addressed."

Added to this is the problem of the medical ambulance, which is still a problem and goes beyond Gamou. Not to mention the health center, which is a current issue, because, Mr. Ndao believes, "at the level of Thiénéba, we must be able to have one."

But, the governor reassures, "the work had begun and we will redouble our efforts in our advocacy so that the health center can become a reality."

With regard to the order of medicines, the authorities wanted there to be consistency with the expression of needs.

Regarding water availability, the boreholes, according to the governor, "have been settled and the Aquateck company has committed to completing the rest. It has assured that there will be no water problem during the Gamou period."

Furthermore, Mr. Ndao urged pilgrims to be very careful on the road. He stressed the need to raise awareness everywhere to ensure that safety standards are respected to reduce accidents.