Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired the 10th meeting of the Interministerial Commission dedicated to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by the Al Haouz earthquake. This meeting focused on reviewing the progress of the program in line with the directives of King Mohammed VI.
During the meeting, Akhannouch urged all ministerial departments to maintain their mobilization and demonstrate the necessary speed and precision, in accordance with the Royal Directives, to meet the expectations of the affected local population, stated a press release from the Prime Minister’s office.
Akhannouch emphasized the importance of adhering to architectural and urban planning standards, using high-quality construction materials that meet safety requirements, and accelerating the upgrade of essential services, particularly schools and healthcare facilities.
The Commission reported that as of the end of May 2024, 56,607 families received the first installment of 20,000 dirhams for reconstructing completely or partially collapsed homes, totaling a budget of 1.1 billion dirhams, achieving a 95% completion rate.
Additionally, 6,927 families received the second installment for home reconstruction, amounting to 122 million dirhams, while 872 families benefited from the third installment totaling 11 million dirhams.
The Commission also noted that 63,363 families received a monthly aid of 2,500 dirhams up to the end of May 2024, with a budget of approximately 1.2 billion dirhams.
In support of the local population, 51,031 reconstruction permits were granted out of 53,084 applications, with an 86% approval rate.
The meeting highlighted debris removal operations involving 43,084 homes, conducted by the Ministry of Interior through National Promotion agents and the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
Ongoing debris removal at 248 schools aims to facilitate reconstruction work.
The Commission also reviewed the progress of upgrading National Road 7 between Tizi N’Tast and Tafingoult, spanning 8 kilometers. Contracts for projects on several other road sections have been awarded, including the 34-kilometer road between Ouirgane and Tlat N’Yacoub in Al Haouz province, with respective costs of 176 and 195 million dirhams, and the 22-kilometer road between Tizi N’Tast and Tafingoult in Taroudant province, costing 178 million dirhams.
In agriculture, 353,830 quintals of barley were distributed to 48,581 farmers in the affected areas by the end of May.
The ongoing free distribution of livestock to affected breeders, initiated in January, has so far provided 12,180 animals, with a goal of distributing 70,000 animals in total.
Additionally, 126 kilometers of small and medium irrigation canals have been upgraded, achieving a 75% completion rate, and the upgrade of 54 kilometers of rural roads is 88% complete.
In healthcare, the Commission reviewed the progress of upgrading 42 priority health centers, with completion expected by the end of July.
The Commission also discussed the rehabilitation of 225 damaged hotel structures, with a total budget of 128 million dirhams. Of these, 115 have received the first payment installment, totaling 44 million dirhams.
Finally, the Commission confirmed the initiation of restoration work on several damaged historical walls.
