92002E3319

WRITTEN QUESTION E-3319/02

by Margrietus van den Berg (PSE) to the Commission

(22 November 2002)

Subject: EDF financing salvaging of the vessel Le Joola

Senegal is receiving EUR 209 million from the 9th EDF. Out of that sum, transport and infrastructure improvements, inter alia, have to be financed. Re-establishing the ferry link between Ziguinchor/Karabane and Dakar is of great economic importance to the Casamance region, in the south of Senegal, and to the country in general. Travelling overland is too dangerous, and travelling through The Gambia is virtually impossible.

This grant could possibly be used to salvage the Le Joola: it covers re-establishment of transport facilities. The boat is now moored at a location which is hazardous for Senegalese fishing vessels and other shipping. Furthermore, the Senegalese Government itself has stated that it regards salvaging the Le Joola as a priority.

Does the Commission agree that salvaging the Le Joola is necessary in order to restore infrastructure in the region?

Does the Commission think that, by making salvaging the Le Joola a priority, the Senegalese Government meets the ownership criterion?

Will the Commission examine whether salvaging the Le Joola can be funded under the EDF as part of transport and infrastructure improvements?

Answer given by Mr Nielson on behalf of the Commission

(7 January 2003)

Restoring the maritime link between Dakar and Ziguinchor is of great economic and political importance for the Casamance region and Senegal in general. However, salvaging and repairing the Joola does not seem to be a cost-effective way of restoring this link and therefore alternatives will have to be found. The Government of Senegal is apparently focusing on the purchase of two new ships with the help of the German cooperation and other possible donors, which could take around two years to realize. In the interim the Government is looking for a private operator to supply and manage its own ship.

Within the framework of the 9th European Development Fund, resources have been earmarked for two major priorities, roads with regional importance and water and sanitation.