King Mohammed VI chaired a working session at the Royal Palace in Rabat on Wednesday, dedicated to the program for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of areas affected by the Al Haouz earthquake.
This new working session builds upon the directives issued by the King during meetings held on September 9th and 14th, which laid the groundwork for a meticulously planned, comprehensive, and ambitious program aimed at providing a robust, coordinated, swift, and resolute response.
With a total estimated budget of MAD 120 billion over five years, the initial formulation of the comprehensive, multi-sectoral program presented to the King targets the six regions and prefectures affected by the earthquake (Marrakech, Al Hoceima, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal, and Ouarzazate), benefiting a population of 4.2 million people.
This program, designed based on an inclusive approach and a specific diagnosis of needs, as well as an analysis of territorial qualifications and local stakeholders, encompasses projects aimed at rebuilding homes and rehabilitating damaged infrastructure by the urgent measures decided during the meeting on September 14. Additionally, it seeks to enhance social and economic development in the targeted areas.
Promoting economic activities, supporting local initiatives, and fostering development in the affected regions.
As per the King’s instructions, the program will establish a major inventory and primary reserves (tents, blankets, beds, medicines, foodstuffs, etc.) in each region to provide an immediate response to natural disasters.
During this working session, King Mohammed VI called on the government to implement the vision presented at both the regional and local levels in the affected regions. He emphasized the importance of constantly listening to the local population to provide suitable solutions, while also giving due consideration to environmental aspects and ensuring respect for each region’s unique heritage, traditions, and ways of life.
Furthermore, King Mohammed VI stressed the necessity of adopting a model of governance characterized by speed, effectiveness, precision, and compelling results to make the general reconstruction and rehabilitation program for the affected regions a model of integrated and balanced territorial development.
In this context, as part of the missions of the Hassan II Fund for Economic and Social Development, aimed at supporting the realization of structured programs and projects for economic and social development, the King issued his royal directives for the Fund to contribute MAD 2 billion to finance this program.