Paving the Way to Prosperity: Morocco Unveils a Modern Marvel in the Sahara

In a momentous stride towards fostering development and connectivity across its southern provinces, Morocco has inaugurated a new highway linking the regions of Guelmim-Oued Noun and Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, ushering in a new era of progress in the heart of the Moroccan Sahara.

With an impressive overall completion rate of 97%, the highway stretches from Tiznit to Dakhla, covering an ambitious 1,055 kilometers, and is nearing its final phase. The segment between Tiznit and Guelmim, spanning 114 kilometers, is undergoing finishing touches, with 106 kilometers already completed. This ambitious project promises to significantly reduce travel times, mitigate the risks of accidents, and streamline the transportation of goods across the vast expanse of the Sahara.

The primary objectives of this modern marvel are manifold: to enhance connectivity with the nation's major production and distribution hubs, to circumvent traffic disruptions caused by flooding and sandstorms, and to facilitate robust commercial exchanges. Additionally, rest areas and dedicated truck parking facilities have been meticulously planned to ensure the utmost comfort for travelers embarking on this journey through the desert.

This new infrastructure is poised to catalyze a surge of investments in the region, directly impacting the lives of 2.2 million residents across ten provinces. Furthermore, it is expected to serve as a potent driver of socio-economic growth across four regions: Souss-Massa, Guelmim-Oued Noun, Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra, and Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.

Mbarek Fancha, the central director of the project, underscored the strategic significance of this initiative. "The Tiznit-Dakhla highway project is a royal strategic initiative aimed at developing the southern provinces and reinforcing Morocco's connections with its African hinterland over a total distance of 1,055 kilometers, at a cost exceeding 9 billion dirhams." He further added, "The opening of new sections between Laayoune and Guelmim, particularly during Eid al-Adha, aims to facilitate the movement of travelers during this peak period."

Executed by more than 36 Moroccan companies and engineering firms, the project has required approximately 2.5 million workdays and is expected to create over 30,000 direct and 150,000 indirect jobs annually once fully operational by the end of the year.

Despite challenges posed by natural and geopolitical factors, such as sandstorms, salinity, and the Covid-19 pandemic, the project has progressed steadily. "The quality of the work is ensured by dedicated laboratories and teams for each segment, employing rigorous methods and standards," Fancha elaborated.

Notably, the project has incorporated stringent environmental measures, approved by the National Environmental Committee, ensuring that ecological impact is minimized and recommendations are integrated into the post-construction phases.

As Morocco continues to forge ahead, this ambitious highway stands as a testament to the nation's unwavering commitment to sustainable development, seamless connectivity, and unlocking the vast potential of its southern regions, paving the way for a prosperous future in the heart of the Sahara.