Tetouan Socio-Economic Projects Launched
In a recent visit to Tetouan, HM King Mohammed VI launched a number of community-based projects aimed at strengthening the infrastructure of the area and providing conditions for sustainable social development. Among the projects is the plan for a complex in the Jbel Dersa neighborhood of Tetouan which will include facilities for local associations, a service center for local youth, pre-school classes and an apprenticeship training center. Moreover, the projects aim to integrate marginalized neighborhoods as part of the Tetouan urban development program and promote the city as a destination in keeping with the economic and social changes brought about in the region by the creation of the Tanger-Med port complex.
Located around 40 kilometers east of Tangier, the Tanger-Med cargo and passenger port opened in July 2007, and is one of the largest ports in Africa and on the Mediterranean, measured by capacity. The port is strategically placed on the Strait of Gibraltar, at the crossing of two major maritime routes, and currently has the capacity to handle 3 million containers with the expectation of reaching full capacity by 2016 when it will have the capacity for 8 million containers. In addition to cargo, the port will be a gateway to Morocco for tourists and will be geared up to receive 7 million passengers. It is anticipated that the job opportunities at the port will bring important economic benefits to the northern region of Morocco, and tourism in the area is likely to be boosted as visitors use the ferry service between Morocco and Europe.
During his visit to Tetouan, HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated the final segment of the Mediterranean bypass, connecting Jebha with Tetouan. The completed coastal motorway will cut three hours off the journey between Saidia and Tangier. The new road also opens up around 120 kilometers of coastline and beaches which until now have been difficult to access, bringing with it a host of tourism options. In a published interview Morocco’s Transport Minister Rebbah Aziz noted that tenders will be issued in due course for the construction of marinas and other tourism facilities.
These new developments in the north of Morocco will give both local and international travelers more opportunities to explore this exotic North African country.
