Mauritanian President Mohamed Ould Cheikh Ghazouani on Monday inaugurated the first phase of a major sanitation project in Nouakchott.
Valued at 77 billion ouguiyas ($200 million), the ambitious initiative is expected to be completed within 45 months and aims to transform the capital’s water management and drainage infrastructure.
A Comprehensive Solution for Nouakchott
The project, funded entirely by the Mauritanian government, will be implemented by CMEC, a construction firm.
It will initially cover the provinces of Tevragh Zeina, Sebkha, and Laksar, as well as parts of El Mina and Tiaret.
According to Mauritania’s official news agency, the system is also expected to indirectly benefit other areas of Nouakchott by improving drainage for waterlogged regions, including the central lake.
The project is divided into two key components: managing household wastewater and rainwater drainage.
The first phase will include installing inspection chambers, maintenance openings, and road crossings, along with updating existing utility networks such as telecommunications, potable water systems, electricity, and sanitation.
Outdated pipelines will be dismantled to make way for the new infrastructure.
The second phase focuses on stormwater drainage.
It involves installing over 15 kilometers of reinforced concrete channels, with dimensions ranging from 300 meters to 8,700 meters.
The plan also includes laying 1.65 kilometers of high-density polyethylene (HDPE) or fiberglass-reinforced plastic pipes, as well as constructing five pump and lift stations.
These stations will handle water discharge rates between 150 and 730 liters per second and operate at heights of 7 to 13 meters.
Government’s Broader Vision for Nouakchott
In November, the Mauritanian government allocated an additional 50 billion ouguiyas to modernize Nouakchott as part of a broader effort to improve residents’ living conditions and enhance the city’s appeal.
This modernization drive includes access to clean water and improved sanitation services, with a budget of 764 million new ouguiyas dedicated to these goals.
Addressing Challenges Amid Progress
Speaking at the event, Minister of Water and Sanitation Amal Bint Mouloud warned of possible temporary disruptions to public services as the extensive construction work gets underway.
However, she emphasized the administration’s commitment to delivering impactful projects.
“This presidency has witnessed significant achievements in the water and sanitation sectors across the country,” the minister stated.
“These include launching structural projects and accelerating ongoing initiatives.”
The sanitation project marks a critical step in addressing Nouakchott’s long-standing drainage and water management challenges while aligning with the government’s broader urban development agenda.
