As part of a feasibility study funded under the Cities finance facility (CFF) by C40 and the German development cooperation to support the City of Dakar, SEPIA conseils, Egis and GRET examined the possibilities of redeveloping the water retention pond in the Grand Yoff commune in Dakar.
This urban space, initially developed to collect rainwater, gradually saw its initial use changed. The areas surrounding the retention pond underwent intensive, poorly planned urbanisation, leading to an excess of wastewater and other malfunctions and nuisances, such as regular flooding, a deteriorated living environment, illegal dumps, poorer security, etc.
In this context, apart from sectoral technical responses (wastewater connection and reinforcement of the pumping station, deepening of the pond, waste collection systems, etc), the project stakeholders want to propose the implementation of an “integrated” rainwater management pond, i.e. a pond offering other uses as well as rainwater management. The project is proposing the implementation of collective activities and facilities that can be submerged when it rains, such as sports grounds, urban market gardening or playgrounds. The objective being sought by the project with the implementation of a shared pond is to combine water management and urban uses in a common strategy, taking a co-construction approach with residents and local authorities.
In this way, the project for rehabilitation of the Grand Yoff pond is an urban regeneration opportunity to turn it into the first sustainable, resilient integrated floodable park in Dakar. This project, which is a pilot in its technical and institutional approach, could become a model that can be rolled out in all communes in Greater Dakar managing deteriorated ponds.
