Al Haouz earthquake recovery: Government updates on reconstruction efforts

Thursday 20 March 2025 - 12:50

By: Dakir Madiha

Al Haouz earthquake recovery: Government updates on reconstruction efforts

The reconstruction efforts following the Al Haouz earthquake have made significant strides, with over 33,600 families having completed the reconstruction of their homes. Currently, 52,669 residences remain under construction. The government highlights notable advancements across various sectors, including education, agriculture, health, and infrastructure. However, authorities emphasize the urgent need to intensify support for families still living in tents and to ensure sustainable economic recovery in the affected regions.

Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch chaired a meeting of the inter-ministerial commission overseeing the reconstruction program, marking a pivotal moment in implementing royal directives. Said Laith, the General Director of the High Atlas Development Agency, provided a detailed report on the progress of the works, noting that 14,463 homes have reached over 50% completion.

Challenges in mountainous areas have been addressed, with concrete solutions found for 4,633 homes in 12 villages. Additionally, 1,378 families have been relocated to areas with suitable land. Emergency aid of 2,500 dirhams has been extended for an additional five months, bringing the total funds distributed to 2.3 billion dirhams.

In the education sector, rehabilitation of 165 schools has been completed, while 763 additional institutions are under renovation, set to reopen for the next school year. In health, 42 care centers have been restored, with 17 more nearing completion. Concurrently, 92 other rehabilitation projects are ongoing.

Agriculture is supported by a 611 million dirham action plan, which includes repairing agricultural infrastructure and distributing livestock and barley to farmers. Road rehabilitation is also advancing, with work on 64 kilometers of the N7 national road progressing, alongside repairs to 43 affected hydrological stations.

In the commercial sector, 1,408 affected merchants have received 127 million dirhams in support. The tourism industry has processed 386 financial aid requests, with 227 hotels receiving an initial tranche of 60 million dirhams, while 82 others benefited from a second tranche of 26 million dirhams.

The Prime Minister has called for an acceleration in these efforts, particularly for families still living in tents, to ensure they can return to decent housing as soon as possible. He stressed the importance of maximizing efficiency not only to mitigate the earthquake's impacts but also to foster a sustainable economic and social momentum.