Chad’s housing minister evaluates flood defenses in N’Djamena

With the rainy season fast approaching, Mahamat Assileck Halata, the Minister of Territory, Urban Planning, and Housing, led a comprehensive inspection on June 25, 2026, to review critical anti-flood installations in N’Djamena. This field visit focused on the Integrated Project for Flood Control and Urban Resilience (PILIER), aiming to verify that the city’s defenses are prepared to handle heavy rainfall.

The ministerial team toured a variety of strategic sites, including the Lamadji pumping station in the 10th arrondissement, the Chagoua hangar, and the N’Djari canal. The delegation also inspected drainage systems at Toumaï Palace, the wastewater treatment plant, the Pedro site, and ongoing roadwork. Further assessments were conducted at the 7th arrondissement hangar to review the deployment of emergency equipment and flood-fighting resources.

Challenges and operational readiness

During the tour, Minister Mahamat Assileck Halata emphasized that these inspections are vital for monitoring government efforts to mitigate weather-related disasters. Following a recent review of infrastructure built with World Bank assistance, the minister highlighted a serious issue at the Lamadji station: the theft of essential electrical cables. Unknown individuals had cut and removed high-value wiring, a direct act of vandalism against public safety assets.

Despite this setback, the minister confirmed that the station remains functional. With four other pumps still in operation, the facility is capable of managing water levels as needed. To address the damage, new cables have been ordered through the World Bank, with delivery expected by July 1. Technical experts anticipate that the new wiring can be installed and fully integrated within 48 hours of arrival.

Expanding resilience and community support

The inspection continued through the Sabangali pumping station and the generator workshops in the 10th arrondissement. The mission concluded in the Toukra-Mousgoum neighborhood. There, the minister met with residents whose homes had previously been demolished by the 9th arrondissement municipal authorities. He provided personal assurances that the government is committed to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of their residences.

The primary objective of this mission was to ensure that the PILIER project’s infrastructure is fully operational to minimize flood risks and strengthen the urban resilience of N’Djamena. Based on the day’s observations, the minister noted that the systems are performing well overall. He reiterated the state’s dedication to infrastructure and stormwater management projects, which remain fundamental to safeguarding citizens and improving long-term living standards.