Djibouti: new bridge to be constructed on the Palmeraie Road

On January 22, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) signed a grant agreement with the Government of the Republic of Djibouti in Djibouti City, to support the construction of a bridge on the Palmeraie Road, offering financial support amounting to 5,944 million yen.

Djibouti City experiences a geographic division due to the Ambouli River, which runs from north to south. This river separates the residential area on the west bank, housing approximately 70% of the country’s population (Balbala Quarter, with around 400,000 residents), from the central east bank (Djibouti Centre Ville, with a population of roughly 170,000), where essential facilities like schools and hospitals are situated. The city relies on two main roads - the Palmeraie Road and the Italian Bridge. However, due to damage to the Italian Bridge, heavy vehicles cannot access it and hence, the Palmeraie Road is the only passage.

Due to its seasonal dryness, the Ambouli River lacks a bridge at the crossing point on Palmeraie Road. Recent years have seen the river rising one to three times annually due to climate change effects like cyclones and heavy rainfall. This leads to road flooding, lasting from one to five days. Such disruptions have a severe impact on Djibouti’s economy, which heavily relies on the logistics sector, as well as on the daily routines of its residents.

To address the above challenges, the project aims to construct a new bridge on the Palmeraie Road and enhance the road infrastructure to increase traffic capacity and ensure dependable transportation during flood events. This initiative aims to support urban transport functions and promote logistical operations in the Horn of Africa region.