Spain Property Investment News

Spanish-African link no longer a pipedream

An underwater rail tunnel linking Spain and Africa via the Strait of Gibraltar has become a reality, after initial exploratory work was undertaken. Running from Tarifa at the bottom of the Iberian Peninsula to Tangier in Morocco, the project would have to overcome huge technological obstacles if it were to be successfully constructed. Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, prime minister of Spain, has said in recent months that the project would provide a huge boost to European and African economies, and would "greatly speed growth, development and prosperity". However, workers involved with the project have discussed the problems of creating the 30-mile tunnel. Speaking to the International Herald Tribune, engineer Sebastian Sanchez described the seabed terrain as "chaotic, absolutely chaotic" and fears have also arisen over how to build in such a deep body of water. Though it has been estimated that the tunnel will cost around € 10 billion, the communication and trade links that would be subsequently opened up would undoubtedly stimulate economic growth, with property prices on either side of the Mediterranean likely to experience a substantial shot in the arm. The potential for a fast, convenient method of sampling the rich culture of North Africa, or catching rays on the sun-kissed beaches of Spain should prove music to the ears of Brit buyers thinking of investing in Iberia or Morocco. In 2008, governmental agencies from both countries will recommend a start date for construction.<img src="http://feeds.directnews.co.uk/feedtrack/adferocopyright.gif?feedid=998&itemid=18143206" alt="ADNFCR998ID18143206ADNFCR" />