Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Dakar (Agenzia Fides)- Energy and agriculture are the economic priorities earmarked by Senegal's premier Cheikh Hadjibou Soumaré in an address to Parliament in Dakar.
Calling for a “national pact of stability and economic growth ”, Mr Soumaré said his government would consult with the social parties to define “policies for responsible and active citizenship”.
With regard to rising prices of prime necessities the Prime Minister promised to take measures to protect “the weaker sectors of society”. With regard to agriculture, the occupation for 70% of the active population but which represents only 2% of the Gross National Produce, Mr Soumaré said that by 2008 he would create a farm insurance system to strengthen rural credit and insure farmers against unexpected events connected with their activity. The sector is to receive state investments for 174 billion CFA francs by 2009. The Premier intends with these measures to guarantee the country food independence. To this end 300 hectares of land will be used for rice growing in the valley of the River Senegal and in that of the River Anambée in the south. Rice and milk are the country's main agricultural imports.
In the energy sector new funds will be injected into national electricity and hydrocarbon companies and before 2012 some 520 billion CFA francs will be invested to compensate delays accumulated in the sector and lower electricity costs. Projects include the construction of a coal power station and the restructuring of several hydroelectric plants. The projects are part of the Organisation for the exploitation of the River Senegal, and the Organisation of the River Gambia and bilateral cooperation with Guinea, for the management of Souapéti Dam. A structure to regulate the hydrocarbon market will also be created and butane gas storage capacities will be increased.
In the social field the Premier confirmed the government's commitment to improve healthcare structures, and to resume construction work, halted years ago, on hospitals in Fatick and Ziguinchor. The local press gave ample space to the Prime Minister's declarations but it also highlighted points not mentioned by the Premier including the problem of the reduction of costs of the state aparatus, eliminating waste and duplication of functions. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides 18/9/2007 righe 40 parole 427)
