Fez approves MAD 40 million civil protection upgrade to strengthen emergency response

Thursday 06 August 2026 - 12:30

By: Sahili Aya

Fez approves MAD 40 million civil protection upgrade to strengthen emergency response

The city of Fez is set to strengthen its emergency response capabilities after local authorities approved a MAD 40 million investment program aimed at expanding and modernizing Civil Protection infrastructure.

The initiative, endorsed during an extraordinary session of the Fez Municipal Council, includes the construction of new emergency response and rescue centers designed to improve public safety across the city, with particular attention given to the historic medina, where the urban environment presents unique operational challenges.

The project is being implemented through a partnership involving the Wilaya of Fez-Meknes, the Regional Council, the Provincial Council, Morocco's General Directorate of Civil Protection, and the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the City of Fez (ADER). The participating institutions will jointly finance and oversee the delivery of the new facilities.

The investment plan allocates MAD 14 million for a new rescue center in the Saïss district, while MAD 26 million will finance two additional emergency facilities within the UNESCO-listed Medina of Fez. Funding is scheduled to be mobilized progressively beginning in 2027.

Authorities say the project is intended to improve emergency coverage in one of Morocco's most historically significant urban areas. The Medina of Fez, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is characterized by densely built neighborhoods, narrow streets, centuries-old buildings, and infrastructure that can complicate emergency interventions during fires, structural collapses, or other disasters.

By positioning rescue units closer to vulnerable districts, officials aim to reduce response times, enhance coordination among emergency services, and improve preparedness for both natural hazards and major urban incidents.

Beyond reinforcing public safety, the initiative reflects a broader strategy to modernize municipal infrastructure while preserving the city's historic character. Strengthening Civil Protection capacity is viewed as an essential component of Fez's long-term urban development, supporting both heritage conservation and the resilience of one of Morocco's most iconic cities.

As work progresses, the new emergency centers are expected to play a key role in protecting residents, visitors, and the cultural assets that make Fez one of the country's most important historical and tourism destinations.