Rabat – The Royal Office issued the following statement:
“His Majesty King Mohammed VI presided over a working meeting on September 14, 2023, at the Royal Palace in Rabat. The meeting was dedicated to the activation of an emergency program aimed at rehousing disaster victims and providing support to the most affected categories following the Al Haouz earthquake. These initiatives were the result of Royal Instructions given during a previous working session chaired by the Sovereign on September 9, 2023.
This meeting is part of a series of measures undertaken by His Majesty to mobilize all necessary resources swiftly and efficiently to aid affected families and citizens. The primary goal is to expedite rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts in the areas struck by this unprecedented natural disaster.
The initial version of the rehousing program, presented to the Sovereign, was prepared by an inter-ministerial commission established in accordance with High Royal Instructions. It addresses approximately 50,000 homes that were either partially or totally destroyed in the five affected provinces.
The program includes emergency temporary rehousing measures, which involve various accommodation options designed to withstand adverse weather conditions. Additionally, affected households will receive emergency financial aid of 30,000 dirhams.
His Majesty emphasized the critical importance of the rehousing operation, emphasizing fairness and continuous attention to the needs of the affected populations.
Furthermore, the program encompasses immediate reconstruction efforts, which will be executed after preliminary expertise assessments and land preparation and stabilization work. For completely collapsed dwellings, direct financial assistance of 140,000 dirhams has been allocated, while 80,000 dirhams have been set aside for rehabilitation work on partially collapsed homes.
King Mohammed VI stressed the importance of reconstruction efforts adhering to technical and architectural specifications that respect the region’s architectural heritage.
During the same working session, His Majesty reiterated His High Instructions for a strong, swift, and proactive response, respecting the dignity, customs, and heritage of the affected populations. These measures not only address earthquake-related damage but also involve a comprehensive program for the reconstruction and enhancement of the affected regions in terms of infrastructure and public service quality.
This comprehensive program will primarily utilize state and public resources while remaining open to contributions from private entities, associations, as well as brotherly and friendly countries. The Kingdom of Morocco expresses its sincere gratitude to these nations.
During the meeting, His Majesty also emphasized the urgent need to provide immediate care for orphaned children who have found themselves without family or resources. These children will be registered and granted the status of wards of the nation. His Majesty has instructed the government to expedite the adoption of the necessary bill for this purpose.
Through the vision and actions of its Sovereign, Morocco once again demonstrates its resilience in the face of trials and challenges, guided by the strength of its institutions and the solidarity and generosity of its people.
The working meeting was attended by the Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Advisor to HM the King, Mr. Fouad Ali El Himma, the Interior Minister, Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, the Endowments and Islamic Affairs Minister, Mr. Ahmed Toufiq, the Economy and Finance Minister, Ms. Nadia Fettah, the National Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing, and City Policy Minister, Ms. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, the Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, in charge of the Budget, Mr. Faouzi Lekjaa, as well as Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the Southern Zone.”
