afrol News, 2 April - The Senegalese government has signed US $13. 39 million with the United States government as part of the Millennium Challenge Account funded projects. The funding will be directed towards water supply and roads projects.

According to Senegal's economy minister, Abdoulaye Diop, the agreement translated into a new dynamics of a bilateral cooperation between the Senegalese government and the United States.

"The financing will help cover the costs of the detailed studies of the said projects and other complementary activities identified, namely, land and environmental projects and social analyses," the minister said.

Mr Diop said the financial support also came to complete Senegal's efforts after it had already financed a good part of the feasibility studies of these projects.

The funding is geared towards designs for two irrigation projects, environmental and social assessment work for irrigation and road projects, data collection for monitoring and evaluation activities, and implementation preparations for financial management and procurement.

The MCC has said the Senegalese government deserved recognition as one of the few African states that has never had a coup, and also boasting two peaceful transfers of power since independence in 1960.

However critics said despite Senegal's commitment to economic freedom and, consequently, to poverty reduction, sustainable growth, the human rights situation has deteriorated since the country was deemed eligible for the programme.

The Minister said many successes have been recorded through the partnership between the United States and Senegal, saying the bilateral cooperation with the United States earned Senegal more than 22 billion F CFA ($55 million) in 2008.

MCC said more than half of the 39 countries worldwide currently eligible for some MCC funding are in Africa and more than two-thirds of the funding committed so far has been destined for Africa.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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