Significant Developments in Morocco's High-Speed Rail Project
In a noteworthy update reported by various news outlets, the high-speed rail project linking Marrakech and Agadir has entered a pivotal new phase. This advancement comes on the heels of a government decree that declares the public utility of the project, thereby outlining the geographical area it will encompass. This strategic initiative aims to enhance the national economy and facilitate the movement of individuals, which is particularly anticipated by the Souss-Massa region as it seeks to solidify its position within Morocco's national rail network.
Recent financial assessments have indicated that the cost of constructing the Marrakech-Agadir line could reach approximately 55 billion dirhams, a figure announced by the Minister of Transport and Logistics, Abdel Samad Qiyouh, in May of this year. It is important to note that this estimate may fluctuate depending on the scope of the works and the various components involved in the final calculations of the project.
Broader Context Amidst Educational Supply Challenges
In another significant news piece, despite the commencement of the new academic year, many educational institutions are grappling with a shortage of essential textbooks for both middle and high school levels, including materials from the "Leadership Schools". This shortage is notably prevalent in libraries across various regions of the country, particularly those far from the Casablanca axis, despite a considerable period having passed since the school year began.
The Moroccan Booksellers Association has voiced its dissatisfaction with the current situation, highlighting the circulation of images and videos on social media that depict certain textbooks being available outside the professional library network, while other libraries struggle to meet the demands of families and students.
Moreover, as the elections approach, pensioners, previously overlooked during the current government term, have resurfaced with their demands for better pension schemes. Political parties, amidst the election campaign, are making successive promises to increase pensions and raise the minimum pension threshold. The Federation of Pensioners in Morocco regards this shift as a purely electoral maneuver, having previously communicated and protested their demands to no avail. They caution against turning pensioners into mere electoral pawns, asserting that this demographic possesses significant electoral weight and the capacity to influence the political landscape.
In other news, the Public Prosecutor's Office in Meknes has ordered the detention of union leaders from the Democratic Confederation of Labor, who are seen as key figures in the protests and sit-ins by workers at "Sicom". This action follows accusations from Anas Al-Ansari, a candidate from the "Party of Authenticity and Modernity" in the upcoming legislative elections set for September 23, who filed a formal complaint against the detained individuals for alleged defamation based on their social media posts.
As reported by hespress.com.
