So that the government is no longer obliged to come to the rescue of these companies, the Prime Minister imposes strict budgetary measures, under the control of his services.The Prime Minister Amadou Ba has not only engaged in the fight to lower food prices and the high cost of living.Another important battle for the head of government is the preservation of existing jobs, and especially the profitability of some state-owned enterprises.
Those whose situation is of particular concern are Air Senegal Sa, the public transport company Dakar Dem Dikk (3D) and the post office, La Poste.They are in such difficult situations that all three have recently experienced a change in leadership.The Air Senegal company, following the arrival of its DGBadara Fall, announced the suspension of services to Central African countries.The reason given, non-profitability.This has led to some observations that it would not be surprising to see the closure of other routes in the coming weeks.Because the situation is close to a disaster.The national airline has total debts of about 70 billion CFA francs, a large part of which is made up of arrears to its suppliers.If the situation is not as muddy in the 3D, it is not brighter.In recent years, the fleet has been greatly reduced, in addition to being degraded, despite the efforts of the State which have been particularly highlighted.Here, in addition to management problems, it must be noted that the vehicles of the transport company are often the target of vandalism as a means to settle scores with State authorities.For La Poste, over several years mismanagement was denounced, it seems to have finally reached a breaking point, with the movements of staff who no longer receive their salaries.This only happened after La Poste was no longer able to provide certain services.In particular, PostFinance drags a slate so heavy that in recent months, savings account holders or pensioners of IPRES have not been able to access their meagre funds.This, without forgetting the beneficiaries of the Family Security Grant who, in many zones, were paid at La Poste.Here, the deficit hole is estimated at more than 150 billion CFA francs.Which led the International Monetary Fund to call for the restructuring of the company on several occasions.Something that the State has always resisted.Nevertheless, Amadou Ba has no intention of allowing the situation to continue to deteriorate.Directors of these companies have been instructed to not engage in new recruitment without the approval of the supervisory authority.Similarly, the managers of these companies are no longer allowed to incur certain expenses without referring to the State services.The Prime Minister, Amadou Ba has made it clear to all concerned that he will ensure strict compliance.It remains to be seen whether this will be enough to stop the bleeding.
By Mohamed GUEYE / mgueye@lequotidien.sn