Morocco’s 1,055 km Tiznit-Dakhla Expressway on Track for 2021 Completion, Minister Says

The realization of the expressway project between Tiznit and Dakhla, within the required deadlines, is more than evident, according to Abdelkader Amara. Recalling the size of this project, which covers some 1,055 kilometers for a total investment of around 10 billion dirhams, the Minister of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water specified that the inauguration of this infrastructure is scheduled for the end of 2021. "This is the deadline," he emphasizes, "provided for by the partnership agreement signed in 2015 in the presence of King Mohammed VI."

During his inspection visit to monitor the progress of the work in question, Abdelkader Amara confirmed to the daily that all the work related to this project has been launched. This includes the second lot of the Laâyoune-Tarfaya section, which extends over a length of 57 km, including the development of the north and south access ramps of the city of Tarfaya, for a cost of 284.5 million dirhams. Here, the work has reached an overall progress rate of 60%, noted the minister.

On the other hand, concerning the 2nd lot of the Tarfaya-Oued El Waar section, which extends over 40 km, for a cost of 212 million dirhams, the work has not seen the same acceleration. Indeed, having started on October 15, 2018 for an execution period of 24 months, the work at this level has reached an overall progress rate of 35%.

On this specific point, the minister was "very firm" on the need for the companies awarded the contracts to respect the implementation deadlines of this project. "We can understand certain constraints related to the transfer of water and electricity connections or to expropriation procedures, but the companies that do not respect the specifications and are experiencing major delays will have their contracts terminated," Abdelkader Amara said firmly.