Moroccan freight operators sound alarm over deteriorating “Kandahar Road”
Moroccan companies involved in international road freight are urging authorities to take swift action to rehabilitate the so-called “Kandahar Road,” the unpaved stretch linking the Guerguerat border post to the Mauritanian frontier.
This short but strategic section is a key gateway for Morocco’s access to West African markets. However, transport professionals warn that its poor condition continues to create major logistical and mechanical challenges. Industry representatives report frequent damage to trucks caused by potholes, muddy terrain, and unstable surfaces along the route.
According to sector officials, the three-kilometer segment has suffered from a lack of maintenance despite its economic and strategic importance. Heavy vehicles regularly experience breakdowns, tire blowouts, and engine cooling failures, sometimes forcing drivers to take long detours to avoid the most degraded areas.
Beyond infrastructure issues, Moroccan transporters also face administrative and legal obstacles when operating in Mauritania. These include visa requirements, complex insurance rules, and legal disputes following road accidents. Although drivers are required to pay for local insurance coverage, professionals say it often fails to provide effective legal protection in case of litigation.
Industry leaders are also pointing to alternative solutions, notably the potential development of a new corridor via Amgala. This route could significantly shorten travel distances, connect directly to modern highways in southern Morocco, and improve overall safety and efficiency. Recognized at the African level, such a corridor could offer a more secure and cost-effective option for regional trade, subject to bilateral agreements and security considerations.
Transport organizations are now calling for urgent intervention to upgrade the Kandahar Road, stressing that Morocco’s competitiveness in African markets depends heavily on the reliability of this vital trade corridor.
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