Casablanca-Settat: Over 55 Billion MAD in Projects and the Challenge of Execution

Major Development Initiatives in Casablanca-Settat

The Casablanca-Settat region is witnessing a significant surge in development projects, with an impressive investment portfolio exceeding 55 billion MAD. This ambitious undertaking is part of the Regional Development Program (PDR) for the years 2022-2027, which has achieved a realization rate of 55% and an implementation rate surpassing 96%. As the region approaches the end of this developmental phase, the focus now shifts towards translating planned initiatives into tangible outcomes.

During the recent October session of the Regional Council, President Abdellatif Maâzouz highlighted that while substantial progress has been made in project engagements, many have not yet reached the execution stage. Initially, the PDR was allocated a budget of 44.6 billion MAD, with 12.5 billion MAD funded by the region itself. To date, 123 agreements have been signed, accounting for nearly 39 billion MAD. However, the regional investment landscape has expanded significantly beyond these initial parameters, with current project approvals exceeding 55 billion MAD.

Investment Expansion Beyond Initial Framework

Notably, 116 agreements executed independently of the PDR account for an additional 14.7 billion MAD, with a regional contribution of 2.95 billion MAD. These projects include crucial infrastructural developments such as roads leading to the Grand Stadium of Benslimane, upgrades to local stadiums, intercommunal transport systems, and connections to the Casablanca desalination plant. Water supply and territorial planning are also pivotal elements of these initiatives.

The Council has amended several agreements related to potable water supply, wastewater treatment, and urban development, aiming to expedite the execution of already scheduled projects. This strategic approach indicates that certain investments will extend beyond the 2027 deadline. For instance, the high-speed train project, encompassing both national and regional components, represents an investment of 16 billion MAD, with completion projected for 2029.

Additionally, the region has expanded its industrial zone offerings, creating or developing 2,373.5 hectares of new industrial land since 2022, of which 786 hectares are still under development. This initiative reflects a broader strategy not only focused on large-scale infrastructure but also on increasing the availability of industrial land to facilitate the establishment of new economic activities. Furthermore, the region's equity stakes in various companies have risen from 156 million MAD in 2022 to 480 million MAD in 2026, underscoring the growing importance of these investments in the regional project landscape.

As the current PDR nears its conclusion in 2027, the Council has approved an approximately 1.6 billion MAD budget for that year. With a plethora of projects on the horizon, the primary challenge now lies in maintaining the momentum of execution, particularly as 45% of the program remains to be realized, with several significant investments extending beyond the current timeframe. The transition from programming to execution will ultimately define the success of the PDR 2022-2027.

As reported by leseco.ma.