The last section of the Tiznit-Dakhla highway was inaugurated on, January 10, with a 114-kilometer stretch connecting Maader near Tiznit to Guelmim, passing through Sidi Ifni.
The project took nearly a decade to complete. The final stretch was finished last November but was kept closed to add traffic signs and finish other details. The 1,055-kilometer highway is now fully operational.
M’barek Fencha, the central director of the project, explained to Moroccan media Le360 that the new road consists of three main parts: “The Laâyoune-Dakhla section, 500 kilometers long, was completed years ago for 1 billion dirhams.”
The second section connects Laâyoune to Guelmim, spanning 436 kilometers. It cost 5 billion dirhams ($500 million) and involved complex engineering works. Teams built several bridges over rivers, crossing difficult terrains and obstacles.
The new Tiznit to Guelmim section completes the highway. This 114-kilometer stretch addresses an urgent need, linking the northern and southern provinces to ease movement and commercial exchanges.
This project, costing 10 billion dirhams ($1 billion), was launched in 2015 by King Mohammed VI and is expected to meet international safety standards. It is part of a larger development program for Morocco’s southern regions.
Meanwhile, the new Rabat-Casablanca highway is expected to be ready by 2030, according to Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water.
The highway will connect Rabat and Casablanca, facilitating travel between the two cities. It will also pass near the new Hassan II stadium under construction in Benslimane.
“This is a major added value that will greatly enhance this stadium, which will be the largest in Africa,” said Mr. Baraka.
In addition to the Rabat-Casablanca highway, other major road projects are underway. The Guercif-Nador highway is under construction, as is the Casablanca-Berrechid highway. A 30-kilometer section between Tit Mellil and Berrechid is already being built.
Baraka also mentioned a highway project linking Fès to Marrakech. This road will pass through Beni Mellal and Khénifra, he said.
The Ministry of Public Works aims to extend Morocco’s highway network to 3,000 kilometers in the coming years, with a budget of 20 billion dirhams ($2 billion).
Maintaining roads is also a priority. The ministry spends 3 billion dirhams annually to repair and improve 2,000 kilometers per year.
These projects are part of Morocco’s plan to improve roads, create jobs, and support the economy and trade.
MK/sf/ac/lb/as/APA