Guercif-Nador Highway: China Secures a Key Contract
Cooperation between Morocco and China in the infrastructure sector has reached a new milestone with the launch of the first phase of the Guercif-Nador highway. The contract has been awarded to the China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) for a total amount exceeding 1.82 billion dirhams before tax.
Through this project, Moroccan authorities aim to enhance mobility in the Oriental region, improve logistical connections, and support the economic development of several areas.
The First Phase: Connecting Guercif and Saka
The initial section of the highway will link Guercif to Saka over a distance of 36.475 kilometers. The work has been divided into three lots, all awarded to the CRBC following the bid evaluations.
The first lot covers approximately 10.6 kilometers at a cost of 632.41 million dirhams. The second lot spans 13.8 kilometers and represents an investment of 564.24 million dirhams.
The third lot, slightly over 12 kilometers, is estimated at 625.21 million dirhams. For each of the three contracts, the completion deadline is set at 30 months.
CRBC Outshines Competitors
The awarding of the contracts occurred after a bid evaluation process conducted with the support of the African Development Bank. Several companies were in competition, including the Moroccan group Mojazine and the Chinese company Xinjiang Beixin Road and Bridge.
Ultimately, CRBC stood out across the three lots due to a proposal deemed particularly competitive financially. This award further solidifies the presence of the Chinese group among foreign firms involved in major infrastructure projects in Morocco.
A Strategic Highway for the Oriental Region
Beyond the construction of a new roadway, the Guercif-Nador project addresses a significant economic challenge for the Oriental region. The highway is expected to enhance the connection between the Fès-Oujda corridor and Saka.
It also marks an important step towards the future industrial-port complex at Nador West Med. The new infrastructure will facilitate the transportation of goods and strengthen connections between various economic hubs in the region.
The complete project envisions the creation of a highway corridor approximately 104 kilometers long. Ultimately, this link will contribute to streamlining trade, reducing transport times, and enhancing the integration of the Oriental region into the national highway network.
A Project for Regional Competitiveness
With this investment of over 1.82 billion dirhams for the first phase, the Guercif-Nador highway aligns with Morocco’s strategy for developing transport infrastructure.
The upcoming corridor is expected to support the industrial and logistical growth of the region, particularly with the anticipated rise of Nador West Med. It could also enhance the attractiveness of the Oriental region to investors by improving access to key transport networks and national and international markets.
The awarding of the three lots to CRBC also illustrates the strengthening of economic cooperation between Morocco and China, particularly in the sector of large infrastructure projects.
