Project Overview

The City of Dakar, Senegal, faced a critical challenge with its aging municipal water distribution network. Decades-old pipelines suffered from severe leakage, leading to significant water loss, inconsistent supply, and compromised water quality. With a growing population of approximately 800,000 relying on the system, the government initiated an urgent upgrade project. Key requirements included a new system meeting potable water standards, long service life, safety, reliability under operating pressures of 8-12 bar, and minimal disruption during construction to ensure continued daily water provision for residents.

Challenges

Deteriorated Infrastructure: 

Existing pipes were heavily corroded and leaky, wasting precious water resources.

High Performance Demand: 

The new system needed to withstand constant pressure (8-12 bar) and deliver safe drinking water reliably to a large population.

Complex Urban Environment: 

Construction in a dense urban setting required techniques that minimized traffic disruption, excavation time, and social inconvenience.

Continuity of Service: 

A strict mandate to avoid prolonged water cuts, necessitating rapid installation and connection methods.

Solution: SIFFO HDPE Piping Systems

SIFFO proposed a complete High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) pipeline system, recognized for its durability, flexibility, and corrosion resistance. The core of the solution lay in its jointing technology:

Butt Fusion Joining: Used for long, straight sections of pipe in main lines. This method creates seamless, leak-free joints as strong as the pipe itself, ideal for withstanding the required pressure.

Electrofusion Joining: Employed for repairs, branch connections, and fittings in confined or complex areas. It allows for quick, reliable, and strong connections with minimal excavation.

Implementation

Phased installation was planned to segment the network. SIFFO provided not only the certified PE100-grade HDPE pipes and fittings but also on-site training and technical supervision for the local crew on fusion techniques. The ductility of HDPE allowed for longer coil lengths in smaller diameters, reducing joints and installation time. For crucial intersections or repairs, electrofusion fittings enabled work to be completed within hours, often during lower-demand periods, ensuring daily water supply was maintained as required.

Results & Benefits

Zero Leakage, Full Integrity: 

The monolithic, fused HDPE network eliminated leakage points, conserving water and stabilizing system pressure.

Long-Term Reliability: 

HDPE's resistance to corrosion and chemical degradation ensures a lifespan exceeding 50 years, meeting the government's longevity requirement.

Rapid, Disruption-Minimized Construction:

The efficiency of fusion joining accelerated project timelines. Reduced excavation and the ability to perform quick tie-ins dramatically lessened impact on traffic and daily life.

Guaranteed Supply Continuity: 

Strategic phasing and fast connection methods prevented extended service interruptions, aligning with the civic objective.

Safety & Quality Compliance: 

The system consistently delivers water meeting potable standards, and the inert material eliminates risk of contamination.

Client Feedback

"Dakar's water security was paramount. SIFFO's HDPE solution and their fusion technology offered the perfect balance of durability, hydraulic efficiency, and installational practicality. We achieved a modern, resilient network with surprisingly low social disruption, ensuring reliable water for our citizens now and for decades to come." – Project Director, Dakar Municipal Water Authority.

Why SIFFO for Your Water Project?

This project underscores SIFFO's capability to deliver turnkey piping solutions for critical urban infrastructure in challenging environments. Our HDPE systems, combined with robust fusion joining expertise, provide a sustainable answer for governments and utilities seeking to upgrade their water networks for efficiency, reliability, and future-ready performance.