Saudi–Egypt Causeway
The Saudi–Egypt Causeway is a proposal to link Egypt and Saudi Arabia with a causeway and bridge.[1]
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The entire project is expected to cost about 4 billion US dollars. The causeway would link Tabuk to the Red Sea resort of Sharm el-Sheikh on the Sinai Peninsula and would pass through Tiran Island at the entrance of the Gulf of Aqaba. Funding for the causeway was announced from the Saudi Binladin Group, which will work the Egyptian government-run firm Arab Contractors.[2]
The proposed construction projects aim to create closer links between the two nations and have the potential to create plenty of jobs on both sides. This is part of a greater plan by the Egyptian government that intends to repopulate the Sinai peninsula.[3] It will also provide an alternative Hajj route, and is expected to serve a million passengers and pilgrims annually.[3]
Concerns have been raised about environment effects, and by neighbors regarding security. The extra traffic and additional development could cause a further decline of the threatened Red Sea dugong population and damage to coral reefs and fisheries.[3] One such organization, Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Association (HEPCA) is fine with the bridge project moving forward, as long as an environmental survey is performed and the reefs are not harmed by the construction. Israel has insinuated that the causeway could be a cause of war, as the government views it as a strategic transport threat for Israeli traffic to and from the Port of Eilat. Article V of the Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt provides for the right of freedom of navigation through the Strait of Tiran.[4]
The project was suspended in 2005 by the Hosni Mubarak government, due to security concerns voiced by Israel.[5] Prior to its loss of power, the Mohamed Morsi administration was reported to be interested in finalizing plans for the project in 2012 and 2013.[6][7]
See also
- Transport in Saudi Arabia
- Transport in Egypt
- Bridge of the Horns - cost about $10b.
References
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- ↑ Saudi-Egypt causeway to go ahead - minister Arabian Business. 30 August 2012.
- ↑ $ 3 billion Saudi-Egypt causeway project on track Arab News. 30 August 2012. Retrieved 26 August 2014.
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