Comprehensive Flood Recovery and Infrastructure Enhancement Program
The Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has emphasized the critical need for government intervention following recent floods, as well as those experienced last year. A robust program has been established, amounting to 3 billion dirhams, which allocates 1.5 billion dirhams specifically for the repair of roads. Baraka highlighted that this initiative encompasses all regions affected by flooding, not merely the severely impacted areas such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza. During a public session dedicated to oral questions, he responded to inquiries from parliament members, affirming that the ministry is collaborating closely with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities to address the significant damage inflicted on numerous road segments.
Starting this month, the ministry will begin issuing calls for tenders to commence repairs on these roads in the affected areas, including Tetouan. The Minister elaborated that there is a dedicated program specifically aimed at rehabilitating roads that have suffered from flooding. In terms of maintenance, he noted that 47 percent of the road budget is allocated to this essential aspect, with 500 kilometers of rural roads benefiting from maintenance operations, a measure that has been implemented for the first time under the current government.
Strategic Road Development and Enhancement Projects
In addition to repairs, Baraka underscored the government's commitment to repairing and enhancing various critical infrastructures damaged by floods. He revealed a substantial list of these facilities, which will undergo rehabilitation and improvement. One of the primary challenges associated with road networks is enhancing their effectiveness and connectivity. Baraka stated that efforts are underway to strengthen these connections, particularly through improved linkages between regions and provinces. Notably, there are projects associated with highways, including the completed stretch connecting Berrechid to Tétouan, and current work on the highway linking Safi to Nador, aiming to facilitate access to the Nador West Mediterranean Port.
The Minister also mentioned the completion of the continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca, spanning 59 kilometers, alongside ongoing studies concerning various highway segments across the country. Addressing the issue of regional isolation, the ministry has recognized the necessity of enhancing road connectivity to stimulate investment in numerous provinces, as outlined in a new investment charter. This includes expanding the network and creating new dual carriageways.
In this context, Baraka discussed the completion of the highway linking Tiznit to Dakhla, with plans for an extension to reach Guerguerat as a second phase. He noted significant progress on the Saguia al-Hamra River Bridge. Other important highways mentioned include the Fes-Taounate highway via National Road No. 8, the highway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen where work on a 5.5-kilometer segment has commenced, and several others enhancing inter-regional connectivity.
Furthermore, within the framework of collaborative projects with local authorities, the Minister indicated that a series of significant initiatives have been identified to enhance both classified roads and rural pathways. He emphasized the new dimension of the ministry's intervention in rural roads, which will be executed in partnership with regional councils or provincial assemblies.
As reported by hespress.com.
