The African Development Bank (ADB) and the Tunisian Government have recently signed an agreement for a loan to finance the modernization the Tunisian railway infrastructure.
The loan, amounting to 60.67 million units of account, equivalent to US$ 88.1 million, will finance railway infrastructure rehabilitation and modernization works as well as 4 technical studies.
The 4 rationalization studies will focus on the organization and sizing of the railway management support units, the re-organization of cost accounting within the Tunisian National Railways Corporation (SNCFT), the preparation of a medium-term railway equipment strategy and the improvement of the environment of the maintenance establishments.
The physical infrastructure modernization investments component will involve upgrading and consolidation of the various lines to improve the traffic safety of trains and reduce accidents, fencings, construction of pedestrian overpasses, development of trading activities to improve the SNCFT's share in the freight sector, construction of maintenance depots, renewal of tracks and installation of level crossings.
Speaking at the signing ceremony, Mr. Theodore Nkodo, Vice-President of the ADB in charge of North, East and South Operations and Private Sector, said that "the Bank's support aimed at enhancing the efficiency of the Tunisian transport system with a view to improving the competitiveness of Tunisian exports". He also emphasized the "exemplary cooperation between the Tunisian Government and the ADB".
In his response, Mr. Mohamed Jouini, Minister of Development and International Cooperation, commended "the support the Bank has given to Tunisia's development action in all the sectors". He expressed the hope that such support will continue during the XIth Development Plan (2007-2011), of which the preparatory works will begin next year. (menareport.com)
© 2004 Mena Report (www.menareport.com)
