The city of Agadir has outlined an ambitious budget for the year 2027, allocating a total of 278.26 million dirhams (MDH) for equipment and development projects. This budget is particularly notable for its emphasis on debt management, as a significant portion, amounting to 170 MDH or 61.09% of the total, is earmarked for repaying the principal of the city’s bond debt. Following this allocation, 101 MDH (36.66%) will be directly invested in various development projects, while an additional 6.26 MDH is set aside for land acquisitions. Collectively, these funds will support ten urban upgrading projects and other initiatives focused on sports, sanitation, and healthcare, thereby concluding the municipal action plan (PAC) for the period 2022-2027.
Major Projects Highlighted in the Budget
The upcoming municipal council meeting, scheduled for next Wednesday, will officially vote on this budget, which is pivotal for the community's development objectives. Among the ten projects benefitting from this budget, three stand out as they receive 83.33% of the allocated credits. The largest financial commitment is directed towards the urban upgrading of the Lhajeb neighborhood in Tikiouine, which involves rehabilitating under-equipped areas. This project is allocated 40 MDH, representing 14.38% of the total equipment budget, and is managed by the local development company, Agadir Souss-Massa Aménagement, with the aim of extending road networks, improving sidewalks, enhancing street lighting, and increasing accessibility in this densely populated area.
Following this, the city will contribute 25 MDH (8.98% of the equipment budget) to the National Fund for Sports Development, aimed at bolstering sports infrastructure and social services. This funding will specifically support the construction of the 'Madanib' stadium. Another significant project includes the urban development of the Bensergao center, also focused on rehabilitating under-equipped neighborhoods, with a budget of 20 MDH (7.19%). This initiative, overseen by the Al Omrane Souss-Massa Group, plans to improve roadways, spatial organization, and connections to various networks. Collectively, these three projects will account for 85 MDH, or 83.33% of the resources allocated for sectoral development programs.
Additional Funding Details
The remaining funding is prioritized according to financial significance, starting with a 12 MDH allocation (4.31% of the equipment budget) for a project involving wastewater treatment, water supply, and the reuse of treated wastewater. This initiative is part of an environmental and public health services program and is facilitated through a partnership agreement with the regional multi-service company, Souss-Massa, to enhance irrigation for public green spaces using unconventional recycled water and to extend domestic connections. Following this, an additional 6.262 MDH (2.25%) is designated for land acquisitions and the establishment of land reserves.
Furthermore, the budget includes a 2 MDH (0.72%) contribution to strengthen the capital of the regional development company 'Agadir Sports Region', aimed at operating and maintaining local sports facilities. Another noteworthy initiative involves creating and equipping an intercommunal sterilization and vaccination center for stray dogs and cats in Greater Agadir, allocated 1.260 MDH (0.45%). The technical management of this facility will be entrusted to Agadir Souss-Massa Aménagement, following a capture, sterilization, vaccination, and release protocol. At the budget's lower end, there is a focus on cultural and tourism infrastructure, with a primary expenditure of 1.2 MDH (0.43%) for developing and managing the 'Bab El Marsa' tourism space, implemented in collaboration with SMART Tourism. This program also includes operational credits of 138,000 DH (0.05%) for the urban park Al Inbiâat. Lastly, a contribution of 400,000 DH (0.14%) towards the capital of the local development company responsible for school transport in Agadir Ida Outanane is aimed at renewing the vehicle fleet serving schools located on the urban outskirts.
As reported by leseco.ma.
