The Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has stated that the recent floods, along with those experienced last year, necessitate immediate intervention from the ministry. A comprehensive program has been developed, amounting to 3 billion dirhams, with 1.5 billion dirhams allocated specifically for road repairs. Baraka emphasized that this initiative encompasses all regions impacted by the floods, not just the severely affected areas such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza.
During a public session dedicated to oral questions on Monday, Baraka highlighted that the ministry is coordinating with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities due to the significant damage inflicted on various road segments. Starting this month, requests for proposals will be launched to commence the repair of these roads in affected areas, including Tetouan. He noted that there is a specific program aimed at rehabilitating roads affected by the floods, stating that 47% of the road budget is allocated for maintenance, which includes the upkeep of 500 kilometers of rural roads—a first for this government.
Moreover, the minister stressed the ongoing efforts to repair and enhance several damaged technical infrastructures due to the floods. A comprehensive list of these infrastructures has been prepared for rehabilitation and improvement. Baraka added that the primary issues concerning road networks revolve around how to enhance and bolster their efficiency.
Baraka revealed that work has commenced to strengthen these networks, particularly by improving connections between regions and provinces. This includes projects related to motorways. He mentioned the completion of the highway linking Berrechid and Tit Mellil, and current efforts on the motorway connecting Safi and Nador, aimed at facilitating access to the Nador West Mediterranean Port.
The minister also addressed the progress of the continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca, which spans 59 kilometers, along with ongoing studies concerning various motorway segments across the country. In terms of alleviating isolation in provinces, Baraka noted that with the adoption of a new investment charter, it has become essential to boost road connectivity by expanding the network and establishing dual carriageways.
In this context, the Minister of Equipment mentioned the completion of the highway linking Tiznit and Dakhla, currently undergoing extension to reach Guerguerat as a second phase. He pointed out that the bridge over the Oued Sakia el Hamra is making significant progress in its construction.
Baraka referenced the Fes-Taounate highway via National Road No. 8, as well as the highway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen, where work has commenced on a 5.5-kilometer segment. He highlighted additional highways enhancing regional connectivity, including the highway linking Hajeb to Ifrane, Sidi Yahya to Sidi Qasim, Safi to Marrakech, and the highway between Kelaa des Sraghna and Marrakech, in addition to the highway connecting Ain Aouda to Oued Zem.
Furthermore, in collaboration with regional authorities, the Minister of Equipment has outlined several key projects aimed at developing roadways and classified roads. He confirmed the introduction of a new dimension involving the ministry's intervention in rural roads as part of partnerships with local authorities or regional councils.
As reported by hespress.com.
