The Marrakech-Safi Regional Multi-Services Company (SRM Marrakech-Safi), a public entity responsible for the distribution of electricity, drinking water, and sanitation in the region, has initiated a call for tenders referenced 194/26/ELEC. This initiative aims to restore the low-voltage electrical networks that were damaged in the Al Haouz province due to the earthquake that struck on September 8, 2023.
This process specifically addresses the damaged infrastructure in the province and follows emergency measures that were implemented immediately after the seismic event. These measures included restoring medium-voltage connections in all distribution stations in Al Haouz, isolating damaged low-voltage cables, and reactivating street lighting in affected areas. The current operation shifts the focus towards the distribution infrastructure itself, as low-voltage networks represent the final link between the medium-voltage/high-voltage (HTA/BT) substations and the end users.
Additionally, a second contract was opened in August, which is divided into three lots, concerning the installation of HTA/BT substations, their connection to the medium-voltage network, and the development of low-voltage distribution networks throughout the province. Both procedures fall under the electricity sector of the SRM Marrakech-Safi’s investment program for 2026-2030, which was approved by its board of directors on December 31, 2025, with a total budget of 18 billion dirhams. This budget allocates 4.06 billion dirhams specifically for electricity, 8.8 billion dirhams for drinking water, and 4.8 billion dirhams for liquid sanitation.
For the fiscal year 2026, the board of directors, chaired by the wali of the region, has set the company's budget at 4.6 billion dirhams, marking the first phase of this five-year program. At a national level, regional multi-service companies are managing an investment program totaling 78 billion dirhams from 2025 to 2030, targeting 98% electricity access and a 93% efficiency rate for the electrical network. The contractual framework also mandates the maintenance of rates previously set by earlier distributors.
Effective from November 1, 2024, under law 83-21 pertaining to regional multi-service companies, SRM Marrakech-Safi will replace the Autonomous Water and Electricity Distribution Authority of Marrakech (Radeema), that of Safi (Radees), and the electricity and drinking water branches of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE). The company's capital of 100 million dirhams is held 40% by the Marrakech-Safi local authorities group for distribution, 25% by the state, 25% by ONEE, and 10% by the regional council.
The management contract, which spans thirty years, encompasses 251 local authorities and nearly 4.9 million inhabitants, covering Marrakech and the provinces of Al Haouz, Chichaoua, El Kelaâ des Sraghna, Essaouira, Rehamna, Safi, and Youssoufia. The reconstruction of Al Haouz's electrical network is a significant element of this contract, especially considering the challenging terrain and dispersed habitation, which increases the unit cost of projects, including subsequent maintenance.
The earthquake affected at least 300,000 individuals and resulted in the destruction or damage of approximately 60,000 buildings, predominantly in remote mountain villages far from major urban centers. The recovery of the affected areas is part of a public program amounting to 120 billion dirhams spread over five years, which includes the rebuilding of structures and the restoration of essential infrastructures, such as distribution networks.
As reported by barlamane.com.
