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European Union

Team Europe Boosts Support for Drinking Water Access in Senegal

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The European Union and the European Investment Bank (EIB) have joined forces with the Senegalese government to improve access to clean drinking water across the country. A new EUR 5.55 million grant from the EU will be used in conjunction with a EUR 64.5 million EIB loan to support the national water company, SONES, in strengthening the supply of drinking water to over 634,000 people living in urban and suburban areas. This initiative will benefit over 1.2 million people and is part of a broader effort to adapt to climate change and improve public health in Senegal.

Key Takeaways:

  • The European Union has granted EUR 5.55 million to support drinking water access across Senegal, with the funds to be used alongside a EUR 64.5 million EIB loan.
  • The project will benefit over 1.2 million people, specifically 634,000 people living in the cities of Saint-Louis, Kaolack, and Kolda, and 633,000 people through subsidised water connections.
  • The initiative aims to strengthen the supply of drinking water, mitigate water pollution, and promote social and regional equity in Senegal.
  • In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic, the EIB has agreed to finance above 80% of the project costs, compared to the standard maximum of 50%.
  • The project will adapt water supply to climate change, which has led to a 300mm drop in average annual rainfall and a 1.7 degree increase in average temperature in recent years.

Statistics:

  • EUR 5.55 million: the amount of the European Union grant to support drinking water access in Senegal.
  • EUR 64.5 million: the amount of the EIB loan to support drinking water access in Senegal.
  • Over 1.2 million people: the number of people that will benefit from the project.
  • 634,000 people: the number of people living in the cities of Saint-Louis, Kaolack, and Kolda who will benefit from the project.
  • 633,000 people: the number of people who will benefit from subsidised water connections.
  • 80%: the percentage of project costs that the EIB will finance in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Sources:

  • European Investment Bank.
  • European Union.
  • Al Bawaba (Albawaba.com).
  • SyndiGate Media Inc. (Syndigate.info).

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