Government Response to Recent Flooding
The Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has announced a significant response to the recent floods that have plagued the country, as well as those experienced the previous year. In light of the destruction caused by these natural disasters, the ministry has developed a comprehensive program worth 3 billion dirhams, of which 1.5 billion dirhams is specifically allocated for road rehabilitation. Minister Baraka emphasized that this initiative encompasses all affected regions, not solely those that suffered the most severe damage, such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza. During a public session dedicated to oral questions on Monday, he reaffirmed the government's commitment to addressing the extensive damage inflicted on numerous road segments through coordinated efforts with the Ministry of the Interior and local authorities.
Starting this month, the ministry plans to launch calls for proposals aimed at initiating repairs on roads in the impacted areas, including Tétouan. Baraka highlighted that there exists a specialized program for the rehabilitation of roads affected by flooding, with 47% of the road budget being allocated to maintenance. This proactive approach also includes the maintenance of 500 kilometers of rural roads, a new measure implemented under the current government.
Enhancing Infrastructure and Connectivity
The minister further underscored the importance of repairing and upgrading various infrastructure facilities that have sustained damage due to floods. A significant list of these facilities has been prepared for rehabilitation and enhancement. He pointed out the challenges associated with the overall development of road networks and the necessity to improve their efficacy. Baraka reported that efforts are already underway to strengthen these networks, focusing particularly on improving connectivity between different regions and provinces. In this context, several highway projects are in progress. Notably, the completion of the highway linking Berrechid and Tétouan is a milestone, and plans are currently in motion for a new highway connecting Safi and Nador, aimed at facilitating access to the Nador West Med Port.
Additionally, Baraka discussed the ongoing construction of a continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca, covering 59 kilometers, alongside several studies concerning various highway segments throughout the country. To combat regional isolation, the government has established a new investment charter, prioritizing the enhancement of road connectivity through network expansion and the construction of dual carriageways. As part of these efforts, the highway connecting Tiznit to Dakhla has already been completed, with plans for an extension to reach Guerguerat as a second phase. He noted substantial progress on the construction of the Oued Sakia El Hamra bridge.
Baraka also mentioned the Fes-Taounate highway via National Road No. 8 and the highway between Tétouan and Chefchaouen, which has seen the initiation of a 5.5-kilometer segment. Other important highways include those linking Hajeb to Ifrane, Sidi Yahya to Sidi Qasim, Safi to Marrakech, as well as between Qalaat Seraghna and Marrakech, and Ain Ouda to Oued Zem, thereby enhancing inter-regional connectivity. In partnership with local authorities, the Minister confirmed the identification of several key projects aimed at developing classified and rural roadways, further establishing a new dimension of ministry involvement in rural road projects.
As reported by hespress.com.
