Government Initiatives for Flood Recovery
The Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, has announced significant measures in response to the recent flooding incidents that have affected various regions, including last year's events. The government has devised a robust recovery program amounting to 3 billion dirhams, with 1.5 billion dirhams specifically allocated for road repairs. This initiative is aimed at addressing the damages across all affected provinces, not just the most severely impacted areas like Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza. During a public session dedicated to oral questions, Baraka emphasized the collaborative efforts underway with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities, given the extensive damage inflicted on numerous road segments. Starting this month, the government will issue calls for tenders to commence the repair work in these affected regions, including the city of Tetouan.
Baraka further elaborated on the existence of a dedicated program for rehabilitating roads damaged by flooding, indicating that 47% of the road budget is earmarked for maintenance. This initiative will see 500 kilometers of rural roads undergo maintenance for the first time under this government. This structured approach not only aims to restore the damaged infrastructure but also to enhance the overall quality and safety of the road networks across the country.
Strategic Road Development Projects
The Minister highlighted ongoing efforts to repair and develop various technical infrastructures affected by the floods, noting a comprehensive list of such structures that are set to undergo rehabilitation and improvement. The primary challenge, he stated, lies in enhancing the effectiveness and development of the road frameworks. Efforts are being made to bolster these networks, particularly through improved connectivity between different regions and provinces. Notable projects in this regard include the completion of the highway linking Berrechid to Tétouan and the ongoing development of a new highway connecting Safi to Nador, which aims to facilitate access to the Nador West Mediterranean Port.
Baraka also mentioned the continental highway project between Rabat and Casablanca, which spans 59 kilometers, alongside ongoing studies for various expressway segments across the nation. Regarding the isolation of certain provinces, the adoption of a new investment charter has underscored the necessity of enhancing road connectivity by expanding networks and establishing dual carriageways. He pointed out the completion of the highway linking Tiznit to Dakhla, with plans for a second phase extension to reach Guerguerat. The construction of the Oued Sakia El Hamra bridge is also progressing significantly.
Additionally, Baraka referenced several other vital highway projects, including the Fes-Taounate expressway via National Road No. 8, and the expressway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen, with a 5.5-kilometer section currently under construction. Other significant highway routes include those connecting Hajeb to Ifrane, Sidi Yahya to Sidi Qasim, Safi to Marrakech, and the expressway linking Qalaat Seraghna to Marrakech, all of which aim to bolster inter-regional connectivity.
In collaboration with local authorities, the Minister noted that a series of projects aimed at enhancing classified roads and pathways have been identified, emphasizing a new dimension where the Ministry will also focus on rural roads. This initiative is part of a broader partnership with regional and provincial councils, reflecting a commitment to improving overall transportation infrastructure.
As reported by hespress.com.
