A New Bridge of Hope for Bizerte: Tunisia and China Collaborate on Major Infrastructure Project
By Africazine Staff
TUNIS – The bustling town of Bizerte, with its iconic canal, is witnessing the dawn of a transformative infrastructure project that has locals buzzing with excitement. A towering crane is hard at work unloading containers, while construction site cabins spring up along the southern bank of the Bizerte Canal, signaling the start of the much-anticipated Bizerte Bridge project. This significant endeavor kicked off in March when the Tunisian Ministry of Equipment and Housing formed a partnership with China’s Sichuan Road and Bridge Group (SRBG).
Bridging the Gap
Once complete, this bridge will stand as the largest bridge in Tunisia and the second to span the Bizerte Canal. For years, the existing bascule bridge, constructed back in 1980, has posed challenges for commuters. Frequently lifted for ships to pass, it often leads to frustrating traffic jams, especially during peak hours or the bustling tourism season. Many locals have found themselves detouring up to 60 kilometers to reach the other side—no small inconvenience for a busy workforce.
Young resident Mohamed Haffoudhi, a recent graduate and local employee, shared his optimism, stating, “We have been suffering from traffic jams between the canal’s two banks for years, but now the new bridge brings us hope.” His view reflects the sentiments of many who have yearned for a solution to daily commute woes.
A Testament to Friendship
The bridge project is not just about improved transportation; it symbolizes the deepening ties between Tunisia and China. “This is an important project for the Tunisian people and a testament to our friendship with China,” expressed Mohamed-Wassim Jaouani, a Tunisian engineer with SRBG. He emphasized that the bridge’s completion will enhance local traffic, knitting the northern region of Tunisia closer to the national highway network.
With a workforce comprising over 100 professionals, including 20 engineers from China and 80 local workers, the project has maintained steady progress despite challenges posed by extreme weather conditions. “It feels like seeing a plant growing out of the ground,” said Haffoudhi, expressing thrill at witnessing the development firsthand.
Advanced Technology Meets Local Needs
Project general manager Yu Yeqiang shared insights into the sophisticated techniques being implemented, such as 2.5-meter diameter bridge pile foundations and a steel truss bridge with a stunning main span of 292.5 meters. With timelines projecting completion in three years, SRBG aims to introduce advanced bridge-building technologies to Tunisia while fostering closer ties between the peoples of the two nations.
As the project unfolds, optimism swells across the community. The Bizerte Bridge is more than just a piece of infrastructure; it represents a brighter, more connected future for the people of Bizerte and Tunisia as a whole.
Stay tuned for more updates from Africazine as we continue to follow this exciting project vividly reshaping the landscape of northern Tunisia.
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Tags: #Tunisia #Infrastructure #WorldNews #BusinessNews #Tourism
