Brussels, 12/02/2014 (Agence Europe) - During his official visit to Senegal in West Africa on 12-13 February, European Commissioner for Development Andris Piebalgs is expected to announce that Senegal can count on €347 million of development aid for the period 2014-2020, as part of the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) - which finances cooperation between the EU and ACP (African, Caribbean and Pacific) countries. The aid will focus on fostering sustainable agricultural development and food security, improving water and sanitation, and strengthening democratic governance - priorities that are in line with those of the government of Senegal (agriculture, food security, sanitation and energy).
A sanitation and urban rehabilitation programme in the wider area of Dakar will be launched at the occasion of the Piebalgs' visit. This project will contribute to the upgrading of roads and public service infrastructure (such as water and electricity supply), installing storm drainages, sanitation and domestic waste water infrastructure, and the organisation of a system of solid waste collection.
Piebalgs is due to meet Senegal's President Macky Sall and several ministers, as well as representatives of the private sector and civil society. He will also visit a number of projects financed by the EU in the areas of fisheries, water and sanitation. Between 2007 and 2013, Senegal benefited from €317 million under the 10th EDF. (AN/transl.fl)