The Prime Minister of the National Unity Government, Abdul Hamid Al-Dabaiba, received the Italian consulting office and the company implementing the “Amsaad-Ras Jedir” highway project.
During the meeting, Al-Dabaiba stressed “the necessity of launching the project according to the outcomes of the meetings he held with the Italian Prime Minister, giving this project priority in the discussions, and considering it one of the priority projects in the government’s plan, which has been delayed since 2010 without logical reasons.”
He stressed “the necessity of completing negotiations with the implementation tools in charge of the first sector (Al-Marj – Amsaed), reviewing the financial balance of the previously approved contract, and launching this phase with the fourth phase without any delay.”
Ali Oqab, head of the Amsaed-Ras Jedir Road Implementation and Management Agency, a member of the communication committee with the Italian side, which was formed by the Prime Minister to communicate with the Italian side to reactivate the Treaty of Friendship, Partnership and Cooperation between the two countries, concluded in August 2008, presented an “executive position of the Prime Minister regarding The measures taken in the first sector (Al-Marj – Amsaed), with a length of 400 km, in terms of completing the financial balance of the contract and reviewing some external contractual conditions, indicating that the fourth sector will be implemented according to three sub-sectors: (Tawergha – Al-Khoms) with a length of 104 km, (Al-Khoms – Al-Aziziya). With a length of 134 km, and (Al-Azizia – Ras Jedir) with a length of 160 km.”
Oqab explained, “The Council of Ministers approved the compensation list for the project, which will contribute to opening the paths for implementation, as well as the awards for the joint Libyan-Italian committee, and the expropriation of the public benefit of ownership of real estate located on the campus of the path, and considering that these procedures will contribute to the start of implementation after completing all The necessary technical contractual procedures and updating some of them.”
In turn, the Minister of Transportation, Muhammad Al-Shahoubi, confirmed that “technical works at all levels are being worked on under the supervision of the ministry, the agency and the joint Libyan-Italian committee to ensure the start of implementation and the liquidation of the necessary financial amounts for each sector from the Italian side.”
The meeting was attended by the Ministers of Transport and State for Cabinet Affairs, the official of the Italian National Roads Authority, and the head of the (Amsaed-Ras Jedir) road implementation and management agency, who are participating in the work of the Libyan-Italian Economic Forum.
Last updated: October 30, 2024 – 15:56
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Interview between Time.news Editor and Ali Oqab, Head of the Amsaad-Ras Jedir Road Implementation and Management Agency
Time.news Editor (TNE): Good day, Mr. Oqab! Thank you for joining us to discuss the highly anticipated Amsaad-Ras Jedir highway project.
Ali Oqab (AO): Thank you for having me! It’s a pleasure to be here and share insights about this important project.
TNE: To start off, can you elaborate on the significance of the Amsaad-Ras Jedir highway project for Libya‘s infrastructure development?
AO: Absolutely. The Amsaad-Ras Jedir highway is not just a road; it’s a vital artery that connects key regions and facilitates trade and travel. This project has been prioritized since our meetings with the Italian Prime Minister. It’s transformative for our economy and essential for enhancing connectivity within Libya and with our neighboring countries.
TNE: You mentioned that the project has been delayed since 2010. What are the primary reasons for these delays?
AO: The previous hold-ups stemmed from various factors, including political instability and shifts in focus away from infrastructure to address more immediate national challenges. However, our current government, under Prime Minister Al-Dabaiba, is committed to moving forward and addressing these issues head-on. We are focusing on swiftly completing negotiations and overcoming the bureaucratic hurdles that have plagued this project.
TNE: What specific steps are being taken to re-energize this important project?
AO: The Prime Minister emphasized the need to launch the project without any further delay. We are currently reviewing the financial balance of the project’s contract and have initiated communication with the Italian contractors. Notably, we’ve segmented the project into various phases to expedite the process. For instance, the first sector involves a 400 km stretch from Al-Marj to Amsaed, which we are prioritizing right now.
TNE: That’s encouraging to hear! How does the involvement of the Italian consulting office play a role in this process?
AO: The Italian consulting office is crucial for ensuring that we have the expertise and resources needed for successful implementation. They’ve been part of the original framework of our treaty with Italy, which dates back to 2008. Their involvement allows us to leverage their technical knowledge while ensuring compliance with international standards.
TNE: You mentioned a compensation list and expropriation of public benefit. Can you explain how these aspects will affect the implementation of the project?
AO: Yes, the compensation list approved by the Council of Ministers is vital; it addresses the financial dealings with property owners affected by the project. By offering fair compensation, we aim to build trust and facilitate a smoother expropriation process. This, in turn, will significantly open paths to immediate implementation and minimize community opposition.
TNE: It sounds like a lot of thoughtful planning is going into this project. What are the expectations for the socioeconomic impact once the highway is completed?
AO: The completion of the Amsaad-Ras Jedir highway is expected to have a multifaceted impact. Not only will it enhance connectivity, but it will also stimulate trade, attract investments, and create job opportunities both during the construction phase and beyond. it’s a step towards economic revitalization for Libya.
TNE: Lastly, Mr. Oqab, what message would you like to send to the Libyan citizens regarding this project?
AO: My message is one of hope and progress. We understand the challenges we face, but I assure the citizens that this government is dedicated to pushing forward with projects that will improve our infrastructure and living conditions. Together, we are laying the groundwork for a brighter future for Libya.
TNE: Thank you, Mr. Oqab, for your insights. We look forward to seeing the advancements of the Amsaad-Ras Jedir highway project in the near future!
AO: Thank you for having me! I appreciate the opportunity to share our vision and progress.