Morocco’s RN17 between Ahfir and Saïdia reaches 90% completion

16:00

The rehabilitation of Morocco’s National Road 17 between Ahfir and Saïdia has entered its final stage, with the project now around 90% complete.

The road represents an important connection between inland areas of Morocco’s Oriental region and the Mediterranean coast. It also forms part of the wider route linking Oujda with Nador through Saïdia and Ras El Ma, making the corridor significant for both regional mobility and tourism.

With the remaining works progressing, the project is moving closer to restoring the entire route under improved operating and safety conditions.

MAD 36 million invested in the project

Supervised by Morocco’s Ministry of Equipment and Water, the rehabilitation programme has required a total investment of MAD 36 million. The funding has been provided entirely by the ministry responsible for the project.

The scale of the investment reflects the importance of the road for an area that experiences substantial traffic fluctuations. During summer and holiday periods, Saïdia’s role as a major seaside destination contributes to a significant increase in road traffic along the corridor.

Mohamed Hakimi, provincial director of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water in Berkane, said the project is intended to restore an essential road serving an area with strong tourist activity while improving the connection between Oujda and Nador.

More than a resurfacing project

The programme extends beyond improvements to the road surface. Several components of the existing infrastructure are being addressed, including associated engineering structures and measures designed to improve road safety.

The authorities also aim to provide road users with better travelling conditions and a more reliable service along the route.

This broader approach is particularly relevant for a corridor that carries both local traffic and seasonal flows toward Saïdia and other Mediterranean destinations. The route also contributes to connectivity toward areas close to the eastern border.

Construction reaches 90% completion

Work has accelerated as the project enters its final phase. According to Khalid Kostani, the site manager representing the company responsible for the works, approximately 90% of the programme has already been completed.

The remaining operations are being carried out according to the established schedule, with construction teams working toward the project's planned completion.

The latest progress indicates that the rehabilitation programme is now close to delivering the upgraded road to motorists, although the final works still need to be completed before the project reaches full completion.

Supporting mobility across the Oriental region

The RN17 project forms part of the broader effort to strengthen road infrastructure across Morocco’s Oriental region.

By improving the connection between Ahfir and Saïdia, the rehabilitation is expected to support movement between inland communities and the Mediterranean coast while reinforcing a corridor serving Oujda and Nador.

The upgraded route is also positioned to accommodate the region’s tourism and economic activity, particularly during periods when traffic increases sharply. Its rehabilitation therefore combines immediate road-safety and mobility objectives with the longer-term need to adapt infrastructure to changing regional travel patterns.