Rabat, Morocco — In response to the devastating floods that have swept across the nation, Morocco’s government has initiated a comprehensive emergency road rehabilitation program valued at MAD 3 billion ($323 million). The announcement came from Equipment and Water Minister Nizar Baraka during a parliamentary session at the House of Representatives. The funds will be allocated to repair and restore road sections across various provinces that have been compromised by the recent natural disasters.
Specifically, approximately MAD 1.5 billion ($161 million) will be dedicated to direct road repairs. Baraka emphasized that the restoration efforts will not be confined to the most flood-affected regions, such as Chefchaouen, Taza, and Taounate. Instead, the initiative will encompass all areas that have experienced infrastructure damage, reflecting a coordinated national response to the widespread damage.
The emergency plan is part of a broader infrastructure strategy aimed at enhancing national connectivity. This includes the rehabilitation of around 500 kilometers of rural roads, as well as repairs to bridges and other damaged structures. The Ministry of Interior has been instrumental in shaping the response, considering the extensive impact on roads and technical structures across the country.
In a statement, Baraka revealed that road maintenance now accounts for nearly half of the national road budget, at 47%. This figure underscores the government’s shift towards prioritizing maintenance over expansion. The program also outlines key projects, such as the construction of a major expressway connecting Guercif with Nador, which is expected to improve access to the Nador West Med Port.
Additionally, authorities are planning a 59-kilometer continental highway linking Rabat and Casablanca. Through partnerships with regional and provincial councils, the ministry is also expanding expressways, dual carriageways, and rural routes. These efforts are designed to bridge regional gaps in road access and promote balanced territorial development, with a focus on strengthening links between municipalities and provinces.
Source: moroccoworldnews
Original author: Firdaous Naim
