27 February 2014 | Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs
His Majesty King Mohammed VI, accompanied by the Ivorian Prime Minister, Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan proceeded, Wednesday, February 26, 2014, in the region of Abidjan, to the inauguration of several economic projects, including a site visit of the real estate project “Residences Akwaba” and a new cement plant, well as the launch of the construction works of a factory of bags for packing cement.
On this occasion, the Sovereign visited the building site of the real estate project ‘Résidences Akwaba’ in district of Abidjan. Mobilizing the investments of nearly 2 billion dirhams, this projects mirrors His Majesty the King’s will to enable the African countries in general, and Côte d’Ivoire in particular, benefit from the Moroccan expertize in fighting shanties.
Built over a surface area of 65 hectares, the project ‘Résidences Akwaba’ , will benefit around 70,000 people, concerns the construction of 7,800 economic and social houses, as well as several community-based facilities (health center, schools, high schools, middle schools, trade center, mosque, church and sport fields.)
This ambitious program, which is part of efforts made by the Ivorian State to face the housing deficit estimated at 500,000 units, provides also for the building by the group of the “Grand Bassam” real estate project (114 ha) for a total cost of 1.3 billion dirhams.
Futhermore, His Majesty the King visited the new cement plant, which includes a crushing workshop, a bagging and shipping workshop, covered storage halls for clinker and additions, a quality control lavatory and administrative, commercial and technical buildings.
Needing the total investment of 30 million euros, the Abidjan cement plant is designed according to the latest technology standards. It is environment-friendly and will optimize energy consumption and cement production meeting standards in force and market’s requirements. A share of 15% of the plant’s initial investment is devoted to the environment.
This plant has been operational since July 2013 and created 250 jobs, 95% of which is meant for local populations. The plant will contribute to fighting cement prices volatility, an issue with a huge impact on the country’s real estate sector.
Moreover, His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched the building works of a factory for manufacturing cement packaging bags. This plant, with a total cost of 12 million euros (8 billion FCFA) will be constructed over a surface area of 3.5 ha by Africa-Côte d’Ivoire Cement company (CIMAF-Côte d’Ivoire), a subsidiary of the Moroccan group “Addoha”.
Thanks to this project, Côte d’Ivoire will no longer need importing cement packaging bags from Morocco. The project’s goals are transferring technology, saving time and money, and bringing closer related services.
27February 2014 | Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Moroccan Times, 27 February 2014
