Post-earthquake recovery: Over 46,000 families rebuild homes in Al Haouz

Saturday 12 July 2025 - 09:20

More than 46,000 families in Morocco’s Al Haouz province have rebuilt or rehabilitated their homes following last year’s devastating earthquake. The reconstruction efforts, supported by a national recovery program, have been backed by significant financial allocations exceeding MAD 4.2 billion ($425 million). Emergency aid, set at MAD 2,500 per household per month, has provided additional relief, with total disbursements exceeding MAD 2.4 billion ($243 million).

Progress in reconstruction and infrastructure

The latest figures were shared during a government commission meeting in Rabat, chaired by Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch. The Interministerial Commission overseeing the recovery program reported near-complete dismantling of temporary shelters, with only 47 tents remaining out of the original 129,000. Full removal is expected by September.

Efforts have also extended to infrastructure, with progress on four sections of the RN7 highway ranging between 25% and 65% completion. Additional projects covering 165 kilometers of roads and 29 engineering structures are underway, supported by a budget of MAD 920 million ($93 million).

In rural areas, local task forces have resolved housing challenges for 4,895 homes in isolated mountainous regions. Agricultural recovery has also been prioritized, with restored hydrological stations, reconnected water networks, and distributions of livestock and barley to farmers.

Education, healthcare, and tourism recovery

Reconstruction has been completed for 269 schools, while 70 health centers have been rehabilitated. Authorities expect to finalize work on 35 additional healthcare facilities by August 2025 and 14 more by October.

Tourism, a critical sector for the region, has benefited from financial aid distributed to 324 establishments across two funding rounds, totaling MAD 91.1 million ($9.2 million). Similarly, direct assistance has been provided to 1,600 small merchants who lost their businesses in the disaster.

Challenges and the path forward

Despite these commendable efforts, significant challenges remain. Many communities, particularly in remote mountainous areas, still face difficulties accessing basic services and rebuilding their livelihoods. Rising costs, inflation, and logistical complexities have slowed the pace of recovery.

Emergency aid, while critical, offers only temporary relief. Long-term solutions must focus on resilience, sustainable development, and economic recovery to address the profound social and economic scars left by the disaster. A more comprehensive strategy is needed to restore stability and hope for the people of Al Haouz.