In the Koungheul department, the commune of Ribot Escale is grappling with numerous structural challenges. Despite the efforts of the municipal team led by Madiama Seck, the population continues to face limited access to basic social services, particularly in the area of healthcare.

"Getting medical treatment remains an uphill battle."

At Ribot Escale, falling ill can still be an ordeal.

"People traveled up to 22 kilometers to reach Taif Thiéckène in order to receive medical treatment," the mayor recalls.

Although a health post has been built and is now providing relief to some of the residents, the situation remains worrying for the most serious cases.

"Some areas are nearly 70 kilometers from Koungheul, where the evacuations are taking place," he explains.

Behind these distances, there are medical emergencies, women in labor, or sick people who have to wait a long time before being treated.

"The lack of a reference health center is a real handicap."

The main health challenge remains the lack of a health center capable of handling more complex cases.

“We do not yet have a reference health center. This forces all evacuations to be made to Koungheul,” laments Madiama Seck.

This situation exposes populations to risks: delays in care, medical complications, and even loss of life in some cases.

To address this, the municipality has launched the construction of a health center. A strategic project for the entire area.

"These long distances are the reason behind our decision to build a health center," the mayor insists.

The objective is clear: to bring specialized care closer to the population and significantly reduce evacuations to Koungheul.

"The lack of teachers is our main problem."

Beyond health, education remains another major challenge.

"We have built and fenced schools, but the lack of teachers remains our main problem," laments the mayor.

In several villages, schools are operating at a reduced capacity, and there are villages without schools.

"Some children are leaving school to go and herd livestock," he warns.

"Finding drinking water remains a daily struggle."

Access to drinking water also remains a major concern.

"Several villages still do not have access to drinking water," the mayor points out.

In some areas, people still travel long distances to obtain supplies.

"One well for four villages could already improve the situation," he suggests.

“More than 40 villages live without electricity.”

Another difficult reality: the lack of electricity in the majority of villages.

“More than 40 villages are living without electricity,” the mayor revealed.

This situation hinders local development and further complicates the living conditions of the population.

Between emergencies and hopes

At Ribot Escale, the challenges are numerous, but the priorities are clear: improve access to healthcare, strengthen education, facilitate access to water and electrify the villages.

But among all the urgent issues, health remains a primary concern. The lack of a referral health center is currently one of the main obstacles to the well-being of the population.

"The state cannot do everything, but we need its support," argues Madiama Seck.

In this isolated community, every step forward is a victory. But for the local population, hope now rests on the swift completion of this health center, a true catalyst for saving lives and sustainably improving living conditions.