STORY: Centennial restaurant in Algeria survives demolition thanks to Chinese company's adjustments to highway project
SHOOTING TIME: Recent footage
DATELINE: Nov. 14, 2023
LENGTH: 00:04:17
LOCATION: Algiers
CATEGORY: ECONOMY

SHOTLIST:
1. various of the Monkey Creek restaurant
2. SOUNDBITE (Arabic): EMBAREK NADJEM, Owner of Monkey Creek restaurant
3. various of the North-South Highway

STORYLINE:

Nestled 60 km south of Algeria's capital Algiers, the renowned Monkey Creek restaurant in Chiffa Gorge boasts a long history of a century and more. A photo wall inside showcases famous personalities, including Napoleon III, Prince Philip, and former Algerian leaders who visited the site. However, the centerpiece is a Chinese sign that reads "Huan Ying Guang Lin" (welcome).
   
Owner Embarek Nadjem revealed that the restaurant, established in 1850, derives its name from the adjacent creek and Barbary macaques that inhabit the area. Originally a post house for Atlas Mountains travelers, it evolved into a tourist hotspot after Algeria's independence in 1962. Nadjem noted that around 5,000 visitors frequent the establishment daily during weekends and summer vacations.

Yet, more than a decade ago, the restaurant faced possible demolition due to the construction of the North-South Highway meant to replace the original national highway, which was unable to meet the growing demand for transport. The initial design proposed by a Spanish team involved demolishing the restaurant, destroying a large amount of vegetation, and affecting the habitat of Barbary macaques, which were declared endangered in 2008 by the International Union for Conservation of Nature.

It was after the team from China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC), responsible for the project's construction, persuaded Algeria's National Highway Agency to modify the design that the restaurant survived.

After negotiations, the CSCEC team proposed building a longer tunnel to cross the Atlas Mountains from the western side of the restaurant. The adjustment, although challenging, aimed to preserve the wildlife and environment as well as safeguard the historical sites. 
SOUNDBITE (Arabic): EMBAREK NADJEM, Owner of Monkey Creek restaurant
"Before the North-South Highway was built, there was only an ordinary road, then Chinese companies built two tunnels with ecological preservation in mind. This highway now connects Medea to the capital Algiers, covering the 100 km distance in just one hour. The old road became a road dedicated to tourism.
In the original design proposal, the North-South Highway passes by the Monkey Creek restaurant, but with the Chinese company, we found a solution that did not remove the restaurant, but instead, changed the route of the highway and built two tunnels.
This proactive approach was meticulously coordinated with Algerian authorities, ensuring a harmonious balance between tourism and environmental preservation. The initiative contributed to the preservation of the restaurant's esteemed status as a beloved historic site in the area."

Nadjem noted that the Chinese sign "Huan Ying Guang Lin" now adorns the restaurant, serving as a commemoration of the Sino-Algerian friendship and the tale of environmental preservation. He said it signifies "a successful partnership and a commitment to preserving our shared heritage." 

Xinhua News Agency correspondents reporting from Algiers.
(XHTV)