Major Urban Development Initiatives Unveiled at Sakankom Event in Agadir
The Sakankom event, held this Thursday in Agadir, served as a significant platform to showcase the extensive programs dedicated to habitat, urban planning, and territorial development within the Souss-Massa region. This gathering provided an opportunity to present the advancements achieved as well as the structural projects undertaken by various institutional actors to support the ongoing transformation within the region.
During the event, Mrs. Zahra Guighir, head of the Observatory Service at the Regional Directorate of Habitat and Urban Policy in Souss-Massa, detailed the key programs that have been completed and those in progress. Notably, these initiatives align with the national directives on urban development and habitat presented to His Majesty King Mohammed VI.
Agadir's Urban Development Program: A Strategic Initiative
Among the major projects highlighted was the agreement related to the Urban Development Program for the city of Agadir, which was presented and signed in February 2020 in the presence of His Majesty the King. According to the data shared by Mrs. Guighir during the event, this program represents a total investment of 7.371 billion dirhams, including a contribution from the Ministry of Habitat and Urban Policy amounting to 595.8 million dirhams.
The ministry's involvement in this agreement targets several strategic axes designed to enhance the quality of life for citizens and modernize urban spaces. This includes upgrading local roadways, rehabilitating the Valley of Birds, creating and enhancing public squares, and developing green spaces through the establishment of urban parks. Mrs. Guighir emphasized that these projects are part of a comprehensive vision aimed at strengthening the attractiveness of Agadir while facilitating its evolution as a major economic, tourism, and urban hub.
Furthermore, Mrs. Guighir also introduced the rural centers upgrading program, which is executed in partnership with the Souss-Massa Regional Council. This initiative, for which the agreement was signed in 2019, mobilizes a total envelope of 572 million dirhams, with 327 million dirhams contributed by the ministry. The aim of this program is to improve living conditions in rural areas through development actions, enhancement of facilities, and support for local development, thereby helping to reduce territorial disparities between urban and rural zones.
Addressing the critical issue of housing production, Mrs. Guighir reiterated the ministry's commitment to meeting the growing housing demands of citizens. She highlighted that several programs have been launched since the initiation of social housing to broaden residential offerings and facilitate access to housing for households. According to the figures presented, 84 agreements have been signed in the Souss-Massa region, encompassing a total of 87,719 housing units, of which 42,239 units have been completed. These accomplishments reflect the dedication of various public and private stakeholders in enhancing the regional real estate market and addressing the increasing housing needs.
Additionally, Mrs. Guighir spotlighted the newly launched direct housing assistance program, "Daam Sakane," which aims to facilitate property ownership for citizens through direct financial support for buyers. This initiative, introduced in 2024 in accordance with the High Orientations of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, represents a significant advancement in public housing policy, with the goal of assisting families in acquiring homes that meet their needs while bolstering the real estate sector's growth. The program has specific eligibility criteria, including Moroccan nationality, residence in Morocco or abroad, lack of current property ownership in Morocco, no previous state housing assistance received, and the acquisition of a home designated as a primary residence with an occupancy permit issued after January 1, 2023. As reported during the event, the Daam Sakane program currently has 2,837 beneficiaries in the Agadir region.
Through the various programs unveiled at Sakankom, the Souss-Massa region reaffirms its strategic role in implementing national policies related to habitat and urban development. With significant planning projects, rural territory upgrades, and new support mechanisms for property acquisition, these initiatives reflect a commitment to building more attractive, inclusive, and sustainable living spaces while supporting the region's economic and urban dynamics.
As reported by industries.ma.
