Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, the Governor of the Tahoua Region, officially launched Phase II of drainage works in the city of Tahoua. This initiative aims to combat recurrent flooding in the area, a persistent challenge for the region. The Projet Intégré de développement Urbain et de Résilience Multisectorielle (PIDUREM) is financing these key works.
The drainage project is part of a broader effort to address significant infrastructure challenges within the Tahoua Region and across Niger. The Government of Niger has affirmed its unwavering commitment to providing sustainable solutions to the persistent flooding problems that affect the region's urban and rural areas. These works represent a key step in improving urban resilience and protecting local communities from environmental hazards, particularly the devastating effects of seasonal deluges.
Project Scope and Funding Details
The financing for the drainage works in Tahoua amounts to more than one and a half billion CFA francs, showing the significant investment being made to bolster the city's infrastructure. These extensive works encompass the construction of 1470 linear meters of drainage pavements and 1062 linear meters of gutters, designed to efficiently channel stormwater away from vulnerable areas. The works will be carried out in two key neighborhoods: the Toudoun Adoum neighborhood, specifically along Rue Morgue-Stade-Kori Guében Zogui, and in the Maboyan Amaré neighborhood, covering the Caniveau-Derrière Welcome and rue hôtel amitié-ex-Tahoua vert-Maboyan Amaré areas. These targeted interventions are expected to bring immediate relief to residents in these frequently affected zones.
Additional works are planned for the Maboya Amaré kori, including the construction of two essential crossing structures for residents, which will improve connectivity and safety. Gutter extensions for Tahoua Sakola are part of the full plan to enhance the city's drainage network. The Projet Intégré de développement Urbain et de Résilience Multisectorielle (PIDUREM) is a major initiative of the Government of Niger, financed by the International Development Association (IDA), which is a vital part of the World Bank Group. The IDA financing for PIDUREM totals an impressive 250 million US dollars, which is equivalent to 140 billion CFA francs, noting the international commitment to Niger's urban development and resilience efforts.
PIDUREM operates across 25 municipalities within Niger, demonstrating its wide-reaching impact. Four of these municipalities are strategically located in the Tahoua Region: Tahoua city itself, Illéla, Birnin Konni, and Keita. The allocated budget for these four municipalities in the Tahoua Region alone is a substantial 10,034,775,063 FCFA, reflecting the scale of the challenges and the ambition of the solutions being implemented.
Addressing Urbanization and Flood Challenges
The Tahoua Region has experienced recurrent flooding, a challenge noted by Governor Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa during the launch ceremony. The Projet Intégré de développement Urbain et de Résilience Multisectorielle (PIDUREM) was specifically designed with a multi-faceted development objective: to increase resilience to floods, improve urban management practices, and enhance access to basic services within its target municipalities. PIDUREM was specifically designed to address Niger's pressing urbanization challenges, including effective flood management and the full control of urban runoff.
M. Mahamadou Abdourahamane, the Coordinator of PIDUREM, stated that the ongoing drainage works are intended to meet Tahoua city's urbanization challenges head-on. Abdourahamane emphasized that "the most significant challenges include flood management and the management of urban runoff," showing the critical importance of these infrastructure projects. These efforts are part of a broader strategy to mitigate the impact of environmental issues on urban areas, ensuring a safer and more sustainable future for residents. In a further commitment to long-term solutions, the URC Coordinator of Tahoua also announced plans for the development of the Babayé pond, which will include the construction of a dedicated canal designed to evacuate excess water. This innovative initiative is intended to provide a permanent resolution to the persistent flooding problems that have plagued Tahoua for years.
Official Directives and Oversight
During the official launch, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, the Governor of Tahoua, issued clear and firm directives to ensure the project's successful and timely completion. He urged Entreprise Issa Youssouf, the company responsible for the drainage works, to commence operations immediately and to complete them within the stipulated contractual deadline, emphasizing the urgency of the situation for the affected communities. The Governor also instructed the designated control firm to be prepared and vigilant, and he directed technical services to ensure continuous supervision and strict adherence to established norms and quality standards throughout the project's lifecycle. He called upon all beneficiaries, including communal authorities, respected customary chiefs, and the local population, to monitor the quality of the work closely and to facilitate the efforts of both the construction company and the control firm, fostering a collaborative environment for success. To further enhance accountability and ensure strong oversight, a dedicated committee for monitoring and controlling the works will be established, providing an additional layer of scrutiny and guidance.
Community and Partner Acknowledgement
The launch ceremony for Phase II of the drainage works occurred on Thursday, July 30, 2026, a significant date for the city, in the Maboya Amaré neighborhood, one of the areas set to benefit directly from the project. During the event, Colonel-Major Souleymane Amadou Moussa, the Governor of Tahoua, expressed his profound gratitude to the Technical and Financial Partners whose support makes such ambitious projects possible. He specifically acknowledged the World Bank for its invaluable assistance and continuous support through the Projet Intégré de développement Urbain et de Résilience Multisectorielle (PIDUREM), recognizing their key role in improving the lives of Tahoua's citizens.
In response, local leaders affirmed their deep appreciation for the project's substantial investments and the tangible improvements they promise. M. Sahabi Moussa, the AD of the City of Tahoua, along with the Chief of Canton of Tahoua and the Chief of the Peulh Group of Tahoua, extended their heartfelt thanks to PIDUREM. Their statements noted the positive and transformative impact of PIDUREM's contributions on the community, acknowledging the project's potential to significantly enhance urban living conditions and resilience against environmental challenges.