Rabat – The Government Council approved a draft decree on Thursday to establish a provisional directorate within the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
This directorate will be tasked with overseeing the development of National Road N1, which connects Tiznit to Dakhla.
The draft decree, No. 2.25.117, amends Decree No. 2.17.321, which was issued on July 17, 2017, to create the initial directorate. Mustapha Baitas, the minister for Parliament relations and government spokesperson, made the announcement during a press briefing following the Council meeting.
The decision follows the establishment of a provisional central directorate on June 1, 2017, to supervise the roadworks along the Tiznit-Dakhla route.
Initially, the decree set a completion deadline for June 1, 2022. However, Decree No. 2.23.107, issued on April 6, 2023, extended the validity of the decree until the end of 2024.
Substantial changes to the project, including the construction of a major highway viaduct over Oued Sakia El-Hamra near the Laayoune bypass, necessitated the extension of the decree’s validity. As a result, the decree will remain in effect until December 31, 2026, as explained by Mr. Baitas.
The final 114-kilometer stretch of the Tiznit-Dakhla expressway was officially opened on January 10. This section, linking Maader near Tiznit to Guelmim, passes through Sidi Ifni. Although the final segment was completed last November, it remained closed to allow for the installation of road signs and other finishing touches.
With the entire 1,055-kilometer expressway now fully operational, it represents a significant milestone in Morocco’s road infrastructure development.
The MAD 10-billion ($1 billion) project, initiated by King Mohammed VI in 2015, aligns with international safety standards and is part of a broader development program aimed at enhancing Morocco’s southern regions.
