China and Japan consortium to construct Algeria's East-West Highway
2006-04-19
Plans to build a border-to border East-West Algerian Highway to link the country with Tunisia and Morocco have been entrusted to a group of Chinese and Japanese firms.
By Lyes Aflou for Magharebia in Algiers – 19/04/06
 [Getty Images] Discussions are under way about linking the East-West Highway with the road networks of Maghreb countries. |
The committee responsible for considering 15 bids from five international groups to build an East-West Algerian Highway published its decision Saturday (15 April) on a display advertisement. In addition to the costs of the bids, members of the assessment committee also took into account the experience of the various bidders in the construction of large-scale projects, particularly highways.
After the results of the evaluation were made known, the contract was awarded to Japanese consortium COOJAAL and a Chinese consortium, which were chosen over other large world-famous companies from the United States, France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Japan and China.
Consisting of six firms, COOJAL will be responsible for the construction of a 399km stretch of highway in the east at a total cost of over $376m. The Chinese group, consisting of large firms CITIC and CRCC, has been chosen to build the central and western sections of highway (169km and 359km respectively) at a cost of $451m.
Work will begin by June at the latest and should be completed in 2009. At a total cost of $7 billion, the highway, which will have a total length of 1216km, will be financed entirely by the government. After protracted problems with finance, the project has been able to go ahead because of oil revenues which have generated an ambitious $60 billion overall national economic development programme.
In an interview with monthly Afrique Asie, Minister for Public Works Amar Ghoul described the highway project as the largest in the Mediterranean and Africa. He previously said on Algerian television that talks were under way between officials from his ministry and their counterparts in Morocco and Tunisia regarding the idea of linking the East-West Highway with the road networks of both countries to give the infrastructure a regional dimension. Algeria's East-West Highway project is part of a plan to build a 7,000km Maghreb highway, he stressed.
it will help reduce congestion on the national road network
Besides the strategic importance of the highway, Algerian authorities say it will help reduce congestion on the national road network. Roadways suffer from the density and volume of goods transport, which accounts for 90 per cent of traffic on the road network.
The East-West Highway project will also have a significant socio-economic impact by creating more than over 100,000 jobs for people working in complementary services along the length of the highway. For example, toll collection will be introduced for the first time in Algeria. Many prefectures, as well as ports and airports, will be linked by the highway. The cross-country road project can be characterised as a catalyst to help accelerate economic development in Algeria.
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hocine Posted 2006-09-23
I am from the city of Batna. I would like to see Algerian channels broadcast on NileSat 101. It will be a huge happiness for all Algerians.
Song Yonggang Posted 2006-10-09
I want to know more about the east-west Algerian highway project.please tell me where can I get it.
Mehmet TALAY Posted 2006-11-06
The Algerian government always works with Chinese construction companies but all Algerians know that Chinese construction companies do not need to work with local workers (I mean Algerians) because their Chinese workers are cheaper than Algerians. They bring hundreds of thousands of workers from China and give them very less salaries. Instead of working with Algerian workers they prefer their people. But Eurepean, Turkish or Arab countries prefer Algerians because of low costs. Those companies come from these countries that work with Algerians and Algerian people...After even one project Algerians will not be needed to anybody anymore...that is why they cannot spend their money in Algerian markets to buy things... Chinese give fish to other countries to teach how to fish? That is the difference...and during Chinese work in Algeria they do not spend their money ...because their salaries are 100 USD...Government must think of this, I guess.
Achille Posted 2006-11-13
Hello. My name is Achille. I am a masters student of professional urban engineering. I am currently preparing a report on Algeria and its roads. I would like some more information about the trans-Saharan highway. Thank you.
alibey toufik Posted 2006-12-10
There's a lot of media hype over this big project. But the information of proximity is still inadequate. For example, the central seat of the two enterprises in Algeria: where are their construction sites located? And the technical side (engineers and technicians) in this project.
nadjib Posted 2007-03-10
Hello! Can you send me a map of the East-West Highway in western Algeria?
ALGERIE TELECOM Posted 2007-07-14
I would really like to have some information on the plans (exchanges, bridges, etc.).
torpedo Posted 2007-09-19
I hope this project will be a success.If it is so these companies will be offered a lot of projects.The government wants the work to be done on time no delay. Our boys don't have the capabilities to do such a huge project.It's a big opportunity for our boys to learn,and get experience from the foreign companies.A lot of projects still to come.god bless algeria bejaia forever,,,,,
الأخضر مناصرية Posted 2007-10-12
Completion of the construction of this huge program has reached 70%, and authorities have opened part of this road for traffic. Big bridges are still underway. We hope that development in Algeria will continue ahead.
مواطن جزائري Posted 2007-11-03
Salam alaikoum. Thanks to Maghareba for this topic. Does the East West highway meet international standards, will a foreign company manage it when it's over and which provinces does it link or we want a map of the road. Victory to Algeria. We hope that it will be comleted within the deadlines. Thank you.
abdou Posted 2007-11-15
I want more information about the East-West Highway in Algeria. Can you tell me where I can get such information?
يوسي قادة Posted 2007-11-18
We’re glad that you present us information about Chinese companies in Algeria, namely the companies working in the province of Oran as to the number and names as I’m preparing a graduation memory ‘Chinese companies in Algeria’. My best greetings to you.
viorel Posted 2007-11-24
Please,inform me about the level for a site engineer Algeria motorway salary. Thank you very much.My best regards,VIOREL.
ismahan Posted 2007-12-16
hi we are very glad to have soma projact like that also to have a japan company in our contry but i would ask if we can join a company to have awork thanks
اسماء Posted 2008-01-01
I want more information about the East-West Highway project in Algeria.
بغداد Posted 2008-01-03
I hope that you send me the map of the East-West highway in Algeria.
محمد الطاهر Posted 2008-01-03
I ask your honour some information about the possibility to work in the COOJAL company.
safir07 Posted 2008-01-03
Hello Everyone, In effect, this project is gargantuan and it will bring a lot of good to our country and all of the Maghreb. I recently read that the Japanese company COOJAL put out a big notice for employment concerning civil engineers and roadway planning technicians. The notice is thus for the novice. I am also interested in the functioning budget of these companies. Thank you for the information.
محفوظ مهري Posted 2008-01-06
I want you to send me pictures of that project to COJALcompany Eats-West in Algeria. Thank you.
amer Posted 2008-01-10
Hello, I need to know the path of the East-West Highway in great detail if it is possible. -Thank you
kamel Posted 2008-01-19
hi this the link for evry one hwo is intrested http://www.mtp-dz.com/Images/dr6.JPG
مترجم لغة صينية Posted 2008-02-05
A great project. I hope that it will be built between Egypt and Saudi Arabia. I wish you success.
عبد الكريم Posted 2008-03-01
I’m Abdelkrim from Chlef. Will a fence be installed around the east-west highway? And where are the sites where it will be installed, I mean in cities or remote regions. Thank you for this valuable information about Algerian projects.
عدلان Posted 2008-03-24
Salam alikoum. We are very happy with this giant project which will link and and facilitate movement between the regions of the one nation.
jicola Posted 2008-04-17
I'm an Asian whose hoping to be a part of the team of workers to work in the Road project of Algeria. I'm hoping for the best, working with different nationalities especially Algerians. Will Arabic language being used in the boundaries covered by the Giant Road Project? How is now the development of the said project at present? I'm now looking forward in working with Algerian natives. And as other people who gave their comments say... I must say, LONG LIVE ALGERIA!
terfaya azzedine ,consultant. Posted 2008-04-27
Someone once said that a country’s path to change comes through its basic infrastructure. Because of the wisdom of His Excellency, our father, the president of the republic, all Algerians are working to make this project succeed. This is but one of many similar projects with regards to the huge means made available to the heads of various sectors like those in charge of dam-building, the construction of one million residences and the transfer of water from the water table to the Sahara. And, for those who said, “Why all the Chinese and Japanese?”: we are globalised and those who can offer technology cheaper than we can are welcome here. But, those who want to exploit us for our cash to the detriment of our country have no place here. We are a young and developing country. It must not be forgotten that we got independence for the first time in 1962. We are beginning to fly with our own wings and we can show the world that Algerians are one of a kind. You are going to see in the decades to come Algerians lie Abane Ramadane and Ziroute. There are 30 million of us like them. Thank you
عماد الدين Posted 2008-04-27
Hi, I want to know the lay of the Algerian expressway East-West in details if possible. Thank you. When will they finish the construction, I want some details about the width of the road and its safety components.
أماني Posted 2008-05-02
Is it true that the East West highway will put more pressure on the Northern regions?
titou5521 Posted 2008-05-28
Welcome. Rule road will be completed before 2015
yacine Posted 2008-05-29
Is it possible for the graduates of the school of economics to join the highway project?
Dr Ammar Posted 2008-06-24
I'm an Algerian researcher in Physics. INVESTMENT IN ARABIAN COUNTRIES IS AN EXCELLENT WAY TO ACTIVATE THE ECONOMY AND STRATEGIC AIMS.BUT! , THE GREAT PROBLEM IS THAT INVESTMENT IN HUMAN POTENTIALITIES IS WEAK,REALLY VERY WEAK.WHY ARABIC COUNTRIES DO NOT INVEST FOR EXAMPLE IN SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AND LET THE FRUIT OF SCIENCE BE APPLIED ON THE GROUND (LINK TO INDUSTRY,AGRICULTURE,....)?.SO, WE SHOULD THINK SERIOUSLY IN THE FUTURE OF OUR NATION (ARABIAN NATION).
عبد المالك Posted 2008-07-06
I am very interested in this huge and strategic project to help Algeria to boost its infrastructure, which is the main criterion for achieving a comprehensive development in different sectors especially the agricultural and social sectors. Therefore, you should provide us with additional information about the project: the sites of bridges, junctions, rests stops, service and fuel stations, in addition to some maps very specific about the section linking Sidi Belabas wilaya to Tlemcen wilaya. Thank you.
فاتح Posted 2008-07-11
This project isn’t a good action because Algeria has problems more serious than this project. They are just caring about their image in the face of great countries. They don’t care about their people who have in reality no incomes. If they have no income, how can they use the highway? Honestly, we ask God to grant them guidance. Thank you.
كمال من عنابة Posted 2008-07-19
Salam alaikum. I personally accompanied the minister in the field of public works. If all the officials in the ministry were talking in the same way and following his method, the highway will be an important gain which will be added to other gains of Algeria. It will have many benefits for us. We wish you success and thank you for your efforts. Thank you. A citizen who is grateful for the efforts.
djaber Posted 2008-07-26
Salam, We are very happy to have such projects and to have a Japanese business in the country. But, I would like to know if it is possible to contact one of these businesses to get a job. I am a mechanical engineer specialised in construction mechanics. Thank you
chakib Posted 2008-08-02
I hope that you will send pictures of the project's bridges as well as the tunnel.
rabah Posted 2008-10-18
Here in Canada, engineering firms are considering this to be one of the most massive construction projects of this century. Long live Algeria, my homeland!
بوخيدورة Posted 2008-11-11
I am a young man from the village of Ain Nekrouf. I am unemployed even if the highway passes near the village. I ask your Excellency, Mr the minister Amar Ghoul, to investigate about us, I and another young man with me, his name is Bendriss Abdelmounaim.
caroline Posted 2008-11-30
What happened to those american companies that were to do the east-west highway. I remember reading that they got the project.
عزوز Posted 2008-12-07
I am a young man who worked with foreign companies, especially Japanese companies. Honestly, they do not deserve huge projects such as the East-West highway. Are Algerian experts not experienced in teaching? Why do universities grant diplomas, and then marginalise to the streets?
نوار ح. قسنطينة Posted 2008-12-14
I am a student. I am preparing a diploma in urban engineering. In my opinion, the state was wrong in assigning this huge project to Chinese. I don't think that they have better experience than E.N.G.C.B. The National Company for Civil Engineering and Building has huge powers and is capable of carrying out the first part. This project should have been assigned to Americans. They are the best and most powerful in such projects. May God grant long life to our dear president Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
brahime Posted 2009-02-18
Hi- I am a man. I have a degree in civil engineering. I am looking for a job in quality control at construction sites. I already finished my community service and I have two years of experience having working in a business “SLB”. –Thank you
farhi Posted 2009-02-22
Why can’t we find a plan for the highway that shows the cities it goes through anywhere? One more thing: if you would so allow it, please respect the rules of the forum without adding comments lauding or disfavouring anyone whomsoever.
المحب لبلده صلاح Posted 2009-03-19
A wonderful project which reflects the greatness of this country and its ability to start up. I wish the good for my country Algeria.
angel of algeria Posted 2009-04-05
you know my brothers agelria is big treasure for us algerian but what we can do all world get benifict from our country but we can not do nothing against that. and chinese and japanese and olso tailand and indonisian and malisian worker get fortune here in algeria and be rich and bring money to their family and here they bring prostitution and diseases and alocohol and drugs and sida to algeria we must send them back where they come from and me i work with them some months they do nothing for the project of high way east -west just getting money all the work is algerian labour who do this so why bring labour from outside just to bring diseases and sida and let our young youth and our gratuated persone olso simple labour without work and give oppurtinity to foreigner me i dont andesrand how our country work and when our governement will wake up realy ???????????!!!!!!!
baghdadi bilel Posted 2009-05-22
I am a young man. I live in Setif. I recently found a job in an engineering office working with Coojaal on the East-West Highway. I hold a degree as a senior technician in topography. I had been unemployed for months, so now I thank God. I wish all my friends good luck in find work in topography, especially at the 2008/2009 TS3 Promotional Forum at Arzew, Oran. -Faithfully yours, Bilel (Long live Setif and Algeria! Bye-bye)
akram2010 Posted 2009-05-31
I hope from the ladies, sirs and everyone who reads the site to provide me with the addresses of the headquarters of Japanese and Chinese companies working in the project of the East-West highway through the province of Setif for a very important issue. It is about the lives of some people who were prejudiced by the acts of truck drivers. There are victims who were killed or injured in road accidents. This is the top of negligence as if the Algerian people and its life are not important except the money and interests poured on our officials. I know that this call will be just like flies on food…But God exists. We the Algerians just clasp our hands for foreign countries which plunder our economy and the life of our dear people and even the standard of our life…
mohamed-p44 Posted 2009-07-01
There is information which you didn't mention in this file.
suhadi Posted 2009-07-18
Assalamualaikum , I am Man from Indonesia,may be next month i 'll go to algeria for a year and working for coojall project,but idont know about algeria and what is like field,and environment there? Please send by email.Thank you wassalam
سارة Posted 2009-09-15
Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you. I agree with the idea of Naouar from Constantine when he referred to the Algerian skills not just in Algeria. We have in the Arab world great intellectual resources. If they were adopted by governments, we would have boosted a successful Arab world especially if we are united by a great religion such as Islam. I wanted to add something. In fact, it is a question and I wanted to know its answer because the answer will be the beginning of solving problems of the Arab world especially Algeria. The question is, for how long we will remain dependent on the west in everything? Why don't we offer an opportunity to young people to prove their existence and carry out reform? When we know the reply, we would have defined the starting point which is “what is our goal to develop a successful country?” I hope from God to forgive and be satisfied with everyone who reads my texts and everyone who visits the site to know even something simple about projects implemented in their country. Peace, mercy and blessings of God be upon you.
وردة الجزائر Posted 2009-09-26
Salam alikum. I am from the company of Eniam. I want to work with you. I inform you we have all equipments. We hope to work with you. Our office is in Oued Souf. We do most projects in the Sahara including roads and buildings. We have equipments and all types of facilities for rental and work. I wish to get help and reply. Thank you in advance.
مصطفى Posted 2009-10-05
I want an explanation - when will the project end?
عزوز Posted 2009-11-01
Salam alikum. To sum up, Algeria marginalizes graduates of universities and vocational training institutes. As a worker in a foreign company (COJAL), we don’t need this type of fake experts. We can rely on our own resources.
كمال تاجنانت Posted 2010-03-13
God bless you. I hope you will cover topics of constructions businesses in future. Thank you!
حمد نادهار Posted 2010-04-07
I am an Algerian who lives in Spain. I want information about the Arab Maghreb.
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