Some people no longer believed it. But no, the complete transformation of the Valley of the Birds of Agadir will do well! Work has started on the three hectares of the site, as shown in our photo, taken of the new bus parking lot. They were entrusted to the Soulaimani company for various works (SOSOTRAD), based in Témara, south of Rabat. The mandate was awarded by the Souss-Massa Regional Tourist Development Company (SDRT), in charge of the file as part of the Urban development program revolutionizing the profile of Agadir. Six months ago, a first round of funding saw the market be declared unsuccessful. The bidders had not produced the necessary parts, amid disagreement over the price.
Based on the very promising principle of zoo-immersion, the project includes four lakes and waterfalls, two large aviaries, one African, the other American, two cafes, as well as lodges for 500 animals encompassing 69 different species.
The SOSOTRAD company is preparing to carry out general earthworks, civil engineering and roads. She will then be responsible for building the planned architecture, including a metal frame which will make the walk even more immersive, with the birds moving from tree to tree. Cost of the operation: 82 million dirhams (eight million euros).
An essential stop on any visit to Agadir, but dilapidated, the Valley of the Birds is no longer accessible to the public since the beginning of 2021. It was then thought that the rehabilitation work would only last 18 months.
The adventures encountered and overcome, however, now allow us to hope that the new Valley of the Birds will take flight at the end of 2024.