Senegal is moving towards the establishment of 'groundwater contracts' (contrats de nappe) in the Pout catchment area, a key water source for the Thies region. This initiative aims to regulate and sustainably manage water resources amid growing demand and climate pressures.
The contracts would involve local stakeholders, including farmers, industries, and municipalities, in defining usage rules and conservation measures. The approach is part of a broader effort to prevent overexploitation and pollution of aquifers.
According to reports, the project is still in the planning phase, with consultations ongoing. No specific implementation date has been announced, but it reflects a trend towards participatory water governance in West Africa.
