Identifier | Created | Classification | Origin |
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06RABAT1577 | 2006-08-22 16:11:00 | UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY | Embassy Rabat |
1. (SBU) Summary; Lemghari Essakl, General Manager of the Agency for Bouregreg Valley Development, called on Ambassador on August 9 to outline the Government of Morocco's ambitious plans for the development and revitalization of the valley separating Rabat and its neighboring city of Sale. Noting that the plan will clean up pollution in the valley, augment economic activity (37,000 direct jobs, and twice that many indirect ones), and resolve transportation problems between the two cities, he added that the overall vision is one of making Rabat a city that can match its more developed and cosmopolitan Mediterranean rivals. The ten year plan envisions an overall investment total of over USD 1 billion, and has already attracted significant participation from investors in the United Arab Emirates and Dubai. End Summary. 2. (SBU) Essakl, who was accompanied by the Agency's Director of Marketing and Communication, Omar Benslimane, has headed the project since its inception last year. Earlier, he headed a number of other Moroccan development agencies. He also serves as chair of the Moroccan chapter of Young Arab Leaders (YAL). In his capacity as General Manager of the Bouregreg Valley Agency, he has kept a high media profile, while also reaching out to diplomatic missions and others to explain the evolution of the project. -------------------------- Multiple Goals -------------------------- 3. (SBU) Essakl stressed that while the formal project debuted last year, it had actually been the subject of intensive government study since 2002. Noting that the project integrates environmental, economic and transportation goals, he stressed that his agency has been given full authority over the 6000 hectares that make up the valley floor, and is negotiating conventions with Rabat and Sale to implement activities in adjacent areas. The goal, he said, is to create a capital city worthy of Morocco, that is the equal of its Mediterranean rivals. Noting that he had lived abroad for many years, he bemoaned the lack of "vitality" in the Moroccan capital, and expressed hope that the project would help remedy that deficiency. He emphasized, however, that the first order of business has been environmental, given the volume of solid waste, sewage, and industrial chemicals that have historically been discharged into the valley. In addition to closing the Oulja landfill (located in the valley just below the Embassy), the government will also divert the other flows from the Bouregreg river to a wastewater network, where they will be treated and processed. A tender for that facility brought three bids, (including one from an American company), which are currently under review. Essakl predicted that this phase of the project should be completed by the end of 2007, noting that discharge into the valley has already been cut by 80 percent. Costs will be covered by the national government, together with localities and those in the affected areas. 4. (SBU) Economically, the project will transform the oceanfront and river valley, making the river navigable and creating new ports for both pleasure craft and fishing boats. In addition to dredging, the authority will erect barriers to ensure that the channel does not again silt up. The plan envisions a transformed waterfront, with the ports surrounded by a City of Arts and Crafts, shopping malls, restaurants, hotels, and other tourist facilities. In response to a question from the Ambassador, Essakl stressed that while the existing fishing port will be moved slightly from its current location, it will remain in the area, to contribute to its diversity and highlight an important element of Morocco's coastal culture. In the future, he even envisioned construction of a cruise ship terminal, from which excursions to Meknes and Fes could be organized. 5. (SBU) The project's transportation component is also ambitious, with plans for new bridges and a tramway from Sale to Rabat to relieve urban traffic. Work on the latter's 12 mile route will commence in 2007, and is targeted for completion in 2010. A tender in that component will be held in the near future, Essakl said. 6. (SBU) Essakl stressed that certain zones in the valley that are important habitats for migrating birds will be walled off from development, to protect the area's environmental richness. Beyond the economic and environmental impact, he also noted a cultural component in protection of a range of sites including the historic Chellah RABAT 00001577 002 OF 002 in Rabat. Already talks are underway, he said, with UNESCO regarding possible financing of the excavation of an ancient port which has been uncovered near the oceanfront, and which could ultimately be incorporated into the plan. 7. (SBU) Essakl emphasized that the project will also have an immediate short-term economic impact, creating 37,000 new jobs directly, and twice that number indirectly in the construction and other sectors. The project's vision, he said, is of a wealth-creating investment that will create other investments and have a multiplier effect on economic life in both Rabat and Sale. He noted this impact will come in the financial sector as well. Investors in Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates have already signed on to the project, and he predicted that large Moroccan banks would participate as well. These investments cover a large part of the project's anticipated USD 1 billion cost, while the government, both through the national budget and the Hassan II fund, will also allocate significant funds, including nearly USD 300 million for the project's first phase. 8. (SBU) Comment: Ambassador probed gently about prospects for rapid realization of this ambitious vision, noting the difficulties that can sometimes emerge in project implementation. Essakl professed optimism, noting in particular that the goal of ridding the valley of pollution "can be realized" by the end of 2007. While conceding that major projects sometimes do not achieve their expected economic viability, he judged that even in such cases the resulting infrastructure can be worth the cost, pointing to the "chunnel" as an example. End Comment. ****************************************** Visit Embassy Rabat's Classified Website; http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/rabat ****************************************** RILEY |