The project, which is expected to be completed by mid-2002, is part of an on-going program of improving the road network in the country. It comprises two main components: paving and strengthening the classified road network through the paving of important sections, and construction of rural roads which will be partly asphalted according to their priority as determined by traffic levels and by their importance in linking production to consumption centers. The project also provides for consultancy services needed for supervision, and support for the Ministry of Equipment and Housing with machinery and equipment. The project components can be briefly described as follows:

1. Pavement of the classified road network: This component comprises the pavement of nine unpaved main and secondary roads with a total length of 300 km. These roads will be upgraded with a total width ranging between 9m to l2m, of which 6m to 7m will be asphalted. Works include earthwork, base and sub base courses, asphalt surfacing, bridges, culverts, drainage works and all other road-related ancillary works.

2. Pavement of rural roads: This component comprises upgrading 92 unpaved rural roads spread allover the 23 Governorates with a total length of 950 km. The project provides for paving some 280km with asphalt while the rest will be constructed as gravel roads which will be asphalted as parts of future projects according to their priorities. Works include earthwork, gravel base course, asphalt surfacing, drainage ditches and culverts.

3. Project management and supervision: The project provides for the establishment of a central project implementation unit to coordinate with the Governorates concerned. It also includes provision for consultancy services during construction to assist the implementation unit in controlling the works.

4. Support to the Ministry: This component provides for the supply of equipment and plant required for the maintenance of rural roads. It also includes providing the administration with computer facilities and related software.

Financing:

The Arab Fund loan covers about 71% of the total project cost. The Tunisian government will fund the balance of the costs, as well as any increase in these costs, both in local and foreign currencies.