Rabat, 20/09/2023 (MAP) – The Royal Office issued a statement outlining the significant steps taken by His Majesty King Mohammed VI during a working session held at the Royal Palace in Rabat, dedicated to the comprehensive reconstruction and development program for the regions impacted by the Al Haouz earthquake.
This crucial session builds upon the directives provided by the Sovereign in earlier meetings on September 09 and 14, which laid the foundation for a meticulously planned, comprehensive, and ambitious initiative aimed at delivering a robust, coordinated, rapid, and proactive response to the disaster.
The integrated and multi-sectoral program presented to His Majesty the King in its initial form carries a substantial budget of 120 billion dirhams, spread over a five-year period. It encompasses the six provinces and prefectures directly affected by the earthquake, namely Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Ouarzazate, impacting a population of approximately 4.2 million individuals.
The program, structured around a convergence approach and an in-depth assessment of requirements, as well as a careful analysis of local potential and stakeholders, focuses on several key components:
- Resettlement and Infrastructure Revival: This includes the relocation of affected residents, reconstruction of housing, and rehabilitation of damaged infrastructure, aligning with the emergency measures initiated during the September 14 meeting.
- Regional Development: The program emphasizes the enhancement of socio-economic development in the targeted areas.
- Social Deficit Mitigation: Special attention is directed towards addressing social deficits in mountainous regions impacted by the earthquake.
- Economic Activity Promotion: Encouraging economic growth, employment opportunities, and supporting local initiatives is another vital facet of the program.
Additionally, as per His Majesty King Mohammed VI’s directives, each region will establish a substantial platform of essential reserves, encompassing items such as tents, blankets, beds, medicines, and food supplies, to provide swift response capabilities in the face of future natural disasters.
During the working session, His Majesty the King urged the government to implement this vision at the provincial and prefectural levels. The importance of actively engaging with the local population to tailor solutions according to their needs was emphasized, all while maintaining a strong commitment to environmental sustainability and respecting the unique heritage, traditions, and lifestyles of each region.
Furthermore, the Sovereign underscored the importance of exemplary governance in this endeavor. The guiding principles are speed, efficiency, rigor, and achieving tangible results, with the aim of establishing this reconstruction and development program as a model for balanced territorial development.
Funding for this monumental program will be sourced from allocations within the general State budget, contributions from local authorities, and the Special Solidarity Bank Account designated for managing earthquake-related impacts. International cooperation and donations will also play a significant role in financing this initiative.
In a demonstration of unwavering support, His Majesty King Mohammed VI has directed the Hassan II Fund to allocate 2 billion dirhams to contribute to the financing of this program, aligning with the fund’s mission to support impactful economic and social development programs and projects.
The working session witnessed the presence of key figures, including the Head of Government, Mr. Aziz Akhannouch, Advisor to HM the King, Mr. Fouad Ali El Himma, Minister of the Interior, Mr. Abdelouafi Laftit, Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs, Mr. Ahmed Toufiq, Minister of Economy and Finance, Ms. Nadia Fettah, Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and Urban Policy, Ms. Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Minister Delegate to the Minister of Economy and Finance, responsible for the Budget, Mr. Faouzi Lekjaa, and Lieutenant General Mohammed Berrid, Inspector General of the FAR and Commander of the South Zone.
