A Louis Berger-led consortium has been selected for the implementation of the third phase of a major road rehabilitation programme in Senegal - the Ziguinchor-Tanaff-Kolda-Velingara section of National Highway 6.
Work associated with this project brings the total value of consultancy services delivered by the consortium over the three project phases to nearly $9.4m.
Macky Sall, president of Senegal, inaugurated the Abdoul Diallo Bridge, a project component and a major Millennium Challenge Account (MCA) Senegal achievement. This bridge is part of the 252 kilometer (156 miles) road linking Kolda and Ziguinchor to the west and Tambacounda to the east of the country.
"Modernisation of the bridge and of National Highway 6 - both considered to be of paramount importance for Senegal's socioeconomic development - will significantly increase local farmers' access to domestic and international markets," said Pascal Houdeau, deputy general manager of operations for West and East Africa.
Social component
In earlier phases of the project, which started in 2010, Louis Berger drafted a resettlement action plan, prepared tender documents and provided technical assistance during procurement processes. The current road rehabilitation programme has an important social component, including public information and awareness campaigns on topics ranging from river clean up practices to sexually transmitted illness, HIV prevention and AIDS treatments.
Over the life of the programme, Louis Berger has helped develop social community infrastructure, such as construction of new water boreholes, modernisation of local markets, school fencing and improvement of pasture ponds, barns and community stoves.
Senegal's road rehabilitation programme is funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation's $540m, five year MCA Senegal initiative, which aims to reduce poverty in the country through strong and sustainable economic growth. MCA Senegal supports private investment and entrepreneurship by developing a strong institutional framework and needed infrastructure.
Louis Berger has more than 50 years of experience in Africa and 25 years of experience in Senegal, where the firm has implemented nearly 30 projects. These projects cover a broad range of professional services in transport, water, agriculture and economic and institutional development.
