Morocco’s Ourika Tunnel Project Faces Setback, New Studies Needed

Regarding the Ourika tunnel, a new call for tenders will be launched shortly in order to carry out additional studies within the tunnel itself. The objective of these studies is to determine the final cost of the project. The minister specified that preliminary and geological studies have already been carried out. However, the initial contract had to be terminated, as the successful companies were unable to carry out the necessary investigations inside the tunnel.

Nizar Baraka emphasized the importance of this tunnel for the national road network, stating that "there is a government will, in accordance with the high royal guidelines, to carry it out", and reiterating the commitment of the public authorities to this structuring project.

Regarding the fast road link between the North and South of the Kingdom, the minister indicated that the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway is now completed and operational. According to the official, this new infrastructure strengthens territorial unity and facilitates exchanges between the regions.