Work on a new highway is commencing in Morocco

Construction activity is commencing on a key highway link in Morocco. Preparation work for the El Jadida-Safi motorway has been underway since September 2012. This new highway will stretch 143km and will connect El Jadida to Jorf Lasfar, Sidi Smail, Sidi Bennour, Oualidia and finally Safi. The work is being split into four sections. The project is expected to cost US$632.5 million and will be financed in part by the 1054 European Investment Bank, which has agreed to invest close to $326 million. The 3409 Arab Fund for Social and Economic Development (FADES) will loan the El Jadida-Safi motorway project $105.4 million. Developers plan to construct six interchanges at El Jadida Est, El Jadida Sud, Sidi Smail, Jorf Lasfar, Safi and Oualidia. The highway should be operational in 2015 and once complete, it will help develop tourism, mining and industrial activities in the Doukkala-Abda region.