A significant sanitation initiative has recently been initiated in Togo to tackle the persistent flooding issues in the capital city, Lomé. This project includes the establishment of a Sewerage Interceptor Network aimed at preventing flooding in local areas (RAINE), which was officially launched on Wednesday, April 23, 2025, by Prime Minister Victoire Dogbé.
This infrastructure will be developed to gather and channel water towards the Zio basin, as part of an initiative to upgrade urban facilities. It will utilize microtunneling technology, which employs a horizontal drilling apparatus to create underground tunnels without disrupting the surface.
“Given the highly congested urban landscape, the microtunneling machine presents the perfect solution for minimizing significant disturbances,” stated Jean-Mathieu Montalègre, Africa Director of BESSAC, one of the firms tasked with executing the project.
In total, over seven kilometers of subterranean piping will be installed to enhance rainwater drainage, especially in areas prone to flooding such as Bè-Adidomé, Tokoin, Attiégou, and the vicinity of the National Assembly and the Togo 2000 shopping center. Authorities aim to mitigate the risks linked to extreme rainfall, which has increased in frequency due to climate change.
This new system will augment existing infrastructures, which already encompass the establishment of retention basins, the reinforcement of drainage systems, and the technical coordination among various involved departments. The Togolese government seeks to formulate a holistic approach to the capital’s hydrological issues, aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and the Togo 2025 Roadmap.
According to the Minister of Water and Sanitation, Mila Aziablé, “this initiative stems from a strong political commitment and a long-term vision. RAINE is more than just a sanitation network; it embodies the promise of a more resilient city, where every citizen can be safeguarded against the effects of climate change,” she remarked. She further added, “RAINE also responds to the President’s appeal at COP29: to take immediate action with concrete outcomes.”
