Morocco's Ambitious Road Infrastructure Plan: Aiming for 67% Optimal Conditions by 2027

Wednesday 25 December 2024 - 13:30

By: Dakir Madiha

Morocco's Ambitious Road Infrastructure Plan: Aiming for 67% Optimal Conditions by 2027

In a significant stride towards enhancing its road infrastructure, Morocco has set an ambitious target to upgrade 67% of its roads to optimal condition by 2027. This initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Equipment and Water, Nizar Baraka, aims to address regional disparities and improve overall road quality across the nation.

During a recent session in the House of Councillors, Baraka highlighted that 64% of Morocco’s roads are currently classified as “good” or “excellent.” This figure represents a notable improvement from the previous standard, where only 60% of roads met acceptable conditions. The ministry’s focus on systematic maintenance and upgrades has been instrumental in achieving this progress.

However, Baraka acknowledged significant regional imbalances in road quality. For instance, regions like Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra and Guelmim-Oued Noun boast impressive figures, with 95% and 92% of roads in good or excellent condition, respectively. In contrast, Fez-Meknes lags behind at just 50.7%. Other regions, including Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab, Oriental, and Souss-Massa, show varying levels of road quality, ranging from 58% to 86%.

To tackle these disparities, the ministry has allocated 47% of its road budget to enhancing road upkeep, with a particular emphasis on rural areas. Baraka introduced a special program aimed at addressing neglected roads, which will involve close collaboration with local authorities to bolster resources and improve efficiency. Additional funding will be directed towards maintaining rural road networks, identified as a key priority.

Looking ahead, the ministry is committed to modernizing the country’s road infrastructure. Plans include expanding dual-lane roads and constructing new ones. Baraka confirmed that investments in road infrastructure have reached MAD 254 billion ($25.5 billion), underscoring the importance of sustaining these efforts despite challenges posed by climate change and road deterioration.

In the same session, Baraka discussed Morocco’s infrastructure roadmap, which spans 35 cities. The plan aims to upgrade road networks, reduce congestion in major cities, and strengthen connections to surrounding towns that will serve as support hubs. This inclusive strategy ensures that smaller cities also benefit from modernization efforts, including those hosting team training sessions during the 2030 World Cup.

Morocco’s commitment to enhancing its road infrastructure reflects a broader vision of inclusive development, ensuring that both urban and rural areas benefit from improved connectivity and mobility.