Islamic Republic of Mauritania
| Loan No: | 531 | Interest Rate: | 2.5 % |
| Beneficiary: | Ministry of Transport | Grace Period: | 7 years |
| Project Cost: | KD 37.1 million | Maturity: | 25 years |
| Amount of Loan: | KD 19.0 million | Repayment: | 37 semi-annual installments |
| Date of Board Approval: | 2008-07-02 | First Installment: | 7 years following the first disbursement |
| Date of Loan Agreement: | 2008-07-02 | Date of Loan Effectiveness: | - |
Objectives:
The project aims at developing and improving transport services on the main road network of the country, through strengthening and rehabilitating the main arterial road that connects the capital Nouakchott to the city of Nema, known as Al-Amal road. The project also aims at promoting trade between different regions of the country, and between Mauritania and its neighboring countries. The project is expected to contribute to the development of areas adjacent to the road, integrate isolated localities and improve the living conditions of their inhabitants, improve accessibility to basic services and reduce traffic accidents.
Description:
The project, which is expected to be completed in the second quarter of 2011, consists of the rehabilitation and strengthening of two sections of Al-Amal road; the second section extending from Boutilimit to Aleg with a total length of approximately 125 km and the fourth section extending from Kiffa to Tintane with a total length of approximately 145 km, in addition to road works for a total length of about 25 km required to channel the road outside towns.
The main components of the project are:
- Civil Works: The civil works consist of removing the old asphalt layer, mixing and re-integrating it with the foundation layer, applying a new layer of hot asphalt concrete (thickness of 5 cm over width of 7 m), removing and rebuilding some parts of the road, in addition to strengthening and rebuilding of 1.5 m wide shoulders on each side of the road, maintenance and rebuilding of drainage structures and ancillary works related to traffic safety.
- Consultancy Services:This component includes: (a) the provision of consultancy services to assist the Ministry in the bidding and selection of contractors, the analysis of technical and financial offers, overseeing of the implementation of the project; (b) study of the road extension from Tintane to Nema (estimated length: about 350 km) and the road from Nema to Pascno and Fassala (estimated length: about 220 km). These studies include the preparation of road design, tender documents, in addition to any other studies required to complete the project.
- Institutional Support:This component includes the provision of institutional support for the management of transport infrastructure through conducting training courses for employees, expert services and the supply of computers to the Ministry.
Financing:
The Arab Fund’s loan covers about 51.2% of the total project cost. The Abu Dhabi Fund for Development is expected to provide a loan to finance the second section of the road. The Government of Mauritania will cover the remaining cost of the project and any additional cost that may arise.