Dakar accelerates demolition of dangerous buildings

The City of Dakar is intensifying efforts to identify and demolish buildings deemed dangerous or at risk of collapse. This initiative follows government directives to increase vigilance during the rainy season to prevent structural failures and protect residents. Municipal technical services have already conducted interventions in districts including Grand-Dakar, Almadies, and Parcelles Assainies, utilizing technical assessments and official peril orders to authorize demolitions.

While the safety necessity of these operations is recognized, Momar Ndiaye, Director of Urban Planning and Restructuring, has criticized the current methodology. In an open letter to Mayor Abass Fall, Ndiaye argued that demolition alone does not solve the underlying issue and warned that evacuating families without providing relocation solutions could lead to social instability and increased precariousness. He urged the municipality to transition from emergency demolitions toward a sustainable urban renewal policy that includes housing solutions for displaced residents.