Progress on the Guercif-Nador Highway: A Strategic Project Boosting Economic Development in Eastern Morocco
The construction of the Guercif-Nador highway is making significant progress, with the third section reaching 35% completion. This ambitious infrastructure project aims to connect the Nador West Med port and industrial complex to Morocco’s national highway network, facilitating transportation and reducing travel time between Nador and other regions of the country.
Land Acquisition Completed, Construction Advancing
In a press statement, Elias El Moden, a representative of Morocco’s National Motorway Company (ADM), confirmed that land acquisition for the first two sections has been completed, while the tendering process for construction work is underway.
The highway will span 104 kilometers and is divided into three segments:
- Guercif – Saka (36.5 km)
- Saka – Driouch (40.5 km)
- Driouch – Nador West Med (27 km)
The project involves:
- 30 million cubic meters of earthworks (excavation and filling)
- 15 major technical structures
- Over 50 engineering works, including overpasses and underpasses
- Two interchange stations (Saka on Regional Road 512 and Driouch on National Road 2)
- A toll station and a rest area
Funding and Economic Impact
With a budget of 7.9 billion dirhams, the project is co-financed by the African Development Bank (AfDB) and the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB), according to Zouhair Bensbou, Regional Director of Equipment, Transport, and Logistics in Eastern Morocco.
Key Benefits: Faster Travel and Economic Growth
Once completed, the highway will reduce travel time between Guercif and the new port to 1.5 hours, down from three hours currently. This will:
- Enhance the movement of goods and passengers
- Lower transportation costs
- Improve trade efficiency
Additionally, the new highway will boost Nador’s appeal as an economic and logistics hub, attracting national and international investments and strengthening the economic integration of the Eastern region within Morocco’s broader development strategy.
