Government Initiatives to Combat Flood Damage
In light of the recent flooding incidents, which have also plagued the nation in the past year, Moroccan Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, emphasized the urgent need for government intervention. The ministry has developed a robust recovery program amounting to 3 billion dirhams, with 1.5 billion dirhams specifically earmarked for road repairs. Baraka highlighted that this initiative encompasses all regions affected by flooding, not just those severely impacted, such as Chefchaouen, Taounate, and Taza. During a public session dedicated to oral questions, he detailed the collaborative efforts with the Ministry of Interior and local authorities, to address the substantial damage to various road segments. Starting this month, the ministry will begin issuing tenders to commence repairs in the affected areas, including Tetouan.
Comprehensive Strategy for Road Rehabilitation
Minister Baraka further elaborated on a dedicated program aimed at rehabilitating roads damaged by floods, indicating that 47% of the road budget has been allocated to maintenance efforts. Approximately 500 kilometers of rural roads will benefit from this maintenance initiative, marking a significant step taken for the first time under this government. Additionally, he underscored the importance of repairing and upgrading several technical structures that suffered due to the floods, stating that a substantial list of these facilities has been prepared for enhancement and improvement. Addressing the broader issues concerning road networks, Baraka noted the ongoing efforts to strengthen these routes, particularly by improving connectivity between regions and provinces. He mentioned ongoing projects related to highways, including the completion of the highway linking Berrechid and Tétouan, and the current work on a highway connecting Safi and Nador, which aims to facilitate access to the Nador West Mediterranean Port.
Discussions also encompassed the construction of the continental highway between Rabat and Casablanca, which stretches over 59 kilometers, alongside ongoing studies for several sections of highways across the country. In the context of enhancing access to isolated regions, the minister highlighted the new investment charter that aims to stimulate investment in various provinces by strengthening road connectivity through the expansion of the network and the establishment of fast and dual carriageways. Furthermore, Baraka discussed the completion of the highway linking Tiznit and Dakhla, with plans for an extension to reach Guerrara as a second phase. He also noted significant progress on the Saguia el-Hamra River bridge.
Baraka mentioned several key highway projects, including the Fes-Taounate highway via National Road No. 8, and the highway between Tetouan and Chefchaouen, where work has commenced on a 5.5-kilometer section. Other significant highways mentioned include those between Hajeb and Ifrane, Sidi Yahya and Sidi Qasim, Safi and Marrakech, as well as between Qalaat Sraghna and Marrakech, and Ain Aouda and Oued Zem, all aimed at bolstering regional connectivity. Additionally, in cooperation with local authorities, he indicated that several important projects have been outlined to develop road pathways and classified roads, introducing a new dimension to the ministry's involvement in rural roads as part of partnerships with local councils.
As reported by hespress.com.
