Significant Investment for Road Repairs
In light of the recent floods that have plagued Morocco, along with similar occurrences from the previous year, the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has announced an urgent response from the ministry. A comprehensive program valued at 3 billion dirhams has been initiated, with 1.5 billion dirhams specifically allocated for road repairs. Baraka emphasized that this initiative will cover all regions affected by flooding, not just the most severely impacted areas such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza. During a public session dedicated to oral questions on Monday, Baraka underscored the importance of collaboration with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities due to the extensive damage inflicted on numerous road segments.
Starting this month, the ministry will begin issuing calls for tenders to commence repair work on the damaged roads, including those in Tetouan. The Minister highlighted that there is a dedicated program aimed at the rehabilitation of roads that have suffered from flood damage. He noted that 47% of the road budget is allocated to maintenance, which includes the upkeep of 500 kilometers of rural roads. This initiative marks the first time such measures have been adopted under the current government, demonstrating a commitment to infrastructure enhancement.
Strengthening Infrastructure and Connectivity
Baraka also pointed out that efforts are underway to repair and improve various technical structures affected by flooding. A significant list of these structures has been prepared for rehabilitation and enhancement. The minister acknowledged that the primary challenges related to road corridors involve their development and the enhancement of their efficiency. He stated that initiatives are being launched to strengthen these corridors, focusing on improving connections between regions and provinces.
Currently, projects related to highways are in progress. Baraka mentioned the completion of the highway connecting Berrechid and Tit Mellil, as well as ongoing work on a new highway intended to link Safi and Nador, facilitating access to the Nador West Med port. The minister also addressed the construction of the continental highway connecting Rabat and Casablanca, which spans 59 kilometers, along with ongoing studies concerning several highway segments throughout the country.
To combat regional isolation, the government has adopted a new investment charter that emphasizes the necessity of strengthening road connectivity to promote investment in various provinces. This includes expanding the network and introducing dual carriageways. Furthermore, Baraka discussed the completion of the highway between Tiznit and Dakhla, which is currently being extended to reach Guerguerat as a second phase. Significant progress has also been reported on the construction of the Oued Sakia El Hamra bridge.
Additionally, the minister mentioned various highway projects, including the Fes-Taounate highway via national road number 8, and the highway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen, where work has commenced on a 5.5-kilometer segment. Other important highways mentioned include those linking Hajeb to Ifrane, Sidi Yahya to Sidi Qasim, and the highway between Safi and Marrakech, which further enhances regional connectivity.
In collaboration with regional authorities, the Minister of Equipment noted that several key projects have been earmarked to develop road pathways and classified roads. This includes a new dimension of the ministry's intervention in rural roads, which is being undertaken in partnership with regional or provincial councils.
As reported by hespress.com.
