Saudi Fund For Development Backs King Fahd Road Rehabilitation In Djibouti

In a significant move towards enhancing infrastructure and safety, the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD) has taken a pivotal step in Djibouti. Eng. Bandar bin Abdullah Al-Obaid, Director General of Arab Countries Operations at SFD, alongside Hassan Hamad Ibrahim, the Republic of Djibouti's Minister of Infrastructure and Equipment, initiated the foundation stone laying ceremony for the rehabilitation of the Djibouti-Tadjoura Road. This project, named after King Fahd bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, is set to receive a development soft loan of USD27 million from the SFD. The ceremony was also graced by Fahd Al-Hamoudi, Director of Protocol at the Kingdom’s embassy in Djibouti, among other dignitaries.

The primary goal of this rehabilitation project is to enhance the road's efficiency and safety over its 151 km stretch. Parts of the road have suffered damage due to collapses triggered by floods. The refurbishment aims to facilitate smoother traffic flow and increase the road's capacity for small vehicles and trucks. Currently, approximately 1,000 trucks utilize the initial segment of this road near Ethiopia daily.

This initiative is a testament to the enduring development partnership between the SFD and the Republic of Djibouti, which spans over four decades. The SFD has been instrumental in supporting Djibouti's development sectors since 1982. To date, it has financed 14 projects and development programs across transport, energy, and social-infrastructure sectors including water, health, education, and housing with funds surpassing USD 305 million. Additionally, through five grants amounting to more than USD77 million provided by the Kingdom via the SFD, 14 development projects in various essential sectors have been implemented to bolster social growth and economic prosperity in Djibouti.

The collaboration between Saudi Arabia and Djibouti through initiatives like these underscores a mutual commitment to fostering development and enhancing quality of life. The rehabilitation of the Djibouti-Tadjoura Road not only promises improved traffic safety and efficiency but also signifies a step forward in strengthening bilateral relations and contributing to regional stability and growth.

With inputs from SPA