The Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, recently addressed the pressing need for intervention due to the recent floods, echoing the situation from the previous year. He revealed that a comprehensive program has been developed with a budget of 3 billion dirhams, out of which 1.5 billion dirhams are specifically allocated for road repairs. Baraka emphasized that this initiative encompasses all regions affected by floods, not just those severely impacted, such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza.
During a public session dedicated to oral questions, Baraka responded to inquiries from deputies, highlighting the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities to address the extensive damage sustained by numerous road segments. He announced that starting this month, requests for proposals would be launched to commence repairs on the affected roads, including those in Tetouan. This initiative aims to restore vital infrastructure and enhance safety for residents and travelers alike.
Moreover, Baraka pointed out that there is a specific program in place for rehabilitating roads damaged by floods. He noted that 47% of the road budget is designated for maintenance, with 500 kilometers of rural roads benefiting from maintenance operations—a first for this government. This initiative seeks not only to repair but also to ensure that roadways remain functional and safe for use.
Additionally, Baraka highlighted ongoing efforts to repair and upgrade several engineering structures that were adversely affected by the floods. A significant list of these structures has been compiled for rehabilitation and improvement, addressing general issues related to road networks and how to enhance their effectiveness. He mentioned that work is underway to strengthen these routes, particularly through improving connectivity between regions and provinces. There are associated projects aimed at highways, with the completion of the highway connecting Berrechid to Tétouan and ongoing work on the highway linking Safi to Nador to facilitate access to the Nador West Mediterranean Port.
The minister also discussed the continental highway project between Rabat and Casablanca, spanning 59 kilometers, along with current studies on several highway segments across the country. In terms of reducing isolation in provinces, Baraka noted that with the adoption of a new investment charter, the government recognizes the necessity of enhancing road connectivity to stimulate investment in various regions. This involves expanding the network and creating express and dual carriageways to improve access.
In this context, he mentioned the completion of the highway linking Tiznit to Dakhla, which is currently being extended to reach Guerguerat as a second phase. Also, significant progress is being made on the bridge over the Oued Sakia el Hamra. Baraka referred to the Fes–Taounate highway via National Road No. 8, the highway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen, where work has begun on a 5.5-kilometer section, as well as projects connecting Hajeb to Ifrane, Sidi Yahya to Sidi Qasim, Safi to Marrakech, and Qalaat as-Sraghna to Marrakech, among others, enhancing inter-regional connections.
On a different note, in line with programs established in partnership with local authorities, the minister mentioned the identification of several important projects aimed at developing rural roads and classified roads. He emphasized the introduction of a new dimension where the ministry intervenes in rural roads as part of a partnership with local authorities or regional councils. This collaborative approach is crucial for ensuring that the needs of various communities are met, particularly in areas that have suffered significant infrastructure damage.
As reported by hespress.com.
