Published on : 15/07/2022 – 11:25
The work, carried out by the Czech company Transcon Electronic Systems, lasted two years. Amount: more than 23 billion CFA francs (just over 35 million euros). The new infrastructure should make it possible to support the economic development of the region, particularly with a view to the exploitation of oil and gas.
With our correspondent in Dakar, Charlotte Idrac
It bears the name of Ousmane Masseck Ndiaye, former minister and former mayor of Saint-Louis. With a runway 2,450 meters long and 45 meters wide, the new airport echoes the past, with the first direct flight of Aéropostale between Toulouse and Saint Louis in 1927.
It should also make it possible to strengthen the role of the city in the future, according to President Macky Sall: “ Saint-Louis is indeed called to be a center of intense activities with the exploitation of oil and gas, in addition to agricultural production, fishing, tourism and higher education.. »
A reconstruction program for several airports
This is the first step in a program to rebuild Senegal’s regional airports – Matam, Ziguinchor and Kédougou – in cooperation with the Czech Republic, which has granted a credit line of 150 million euros. ” We are certain that the modernization of this airport will contribute to the socio-economic development of the Saint-Louis region, and to create links with neighboring countries. It is the largest investment project of the Czech Republic in sub-Saharan Africa adds Martin Tlapa, Czech Deputy Foreign Minister.
In Saint-Louis, the Head of State also launched work on a new hospital and inaugurated a dyke to protect once morest coastal erosion. Ceremonies criticized by detractors of the Head of State: they accuse him of ” disguised propaganda in the middle of the campaign for the legislative elections of July 31.