Rebuilding and Developing Earthquake-Affected Areas: A Comprehensive Look into Morocco’s Rehabilitation Efforts

Rebuilding and Developing Earthquake-Affected Areas: A Comprehensive Look into Morocco’s Rehabilitation Efforts

Mobilizing for Swift Action

Aziz Akhannouch, the head of the Moroccan government, recently articulated the nation’s commitment to swiftly rehabilitating and reconstructing areas devastated by a recent earthquake. This statement came following the fourth meeting of the Interministerial Commission, a body tasked with implementing an emergency recovery and rebuilding initiative for housing destroyed in the quake-stricken regions.

Akhannouch revealed that the government is expected to soon provide updates regarding the management procedures and techniques for handling the earthquake’s aftermath. This includes the presentation of a project by a competent agency to ensure effective execution of the recovery program. The agency spearheads the implementation of projects and investments that are aimed at rehabilitating the areas affected by the natural calamity.

Accelerating Development Programs

The government leader assured that reconstruction operations would commence as quickly as possible. He revealed that the government is expediting the preparation of the region’s development programs. Over the next few days, a series of meetings will be held to finalize the development of all concepts related to the development projects of these areas, aiming to implement them in the subsequent weeks.

Focus on Rapid Reconstruction of Vital Structures

Akhannouch emphasized that the government will employ all its resources in the phase of quick reconstruction, which will encompass schools, hospitals, and other vital structures that were affected by the earthquake. The execution of these projects will be financed by the special solidarity account for managing the effects of the earthquake, established in accordance with royal directives.

Government’s Efforts for Reconstruction and Development

The government, led by Aziz Akhannouch, is relentless in its efforts to reconstruct and develop areas impacted by the earthquake, following the directives of King Mohammed VI. The government is hastening the preparation of development programs and will soon provide more details on the management of the earthquake’s effects. There is a concentrated focus on the swift reconstruction of critical structures, including schools and hospitals. The funding for these projects will come from a special solidarity account.

Global Assistance and Local Resilience

Despite criticism for accepting limited foreign aid, the Moroccan government has outlined a five-year plan to spend at least 120 billion dirhams ($11.7 billion) on post-earthquake reconstruction. This plan aims to target 4.2 million people in the worst-hit provinces, covering rehousing and emergency aid, as well as the upgrade of infrastructure to foster social and economic development in the quake-hit areas. The fund, which has already received around 700 million dirhams in donations, will also contribute to the establishment of hubs for essential reserves, including tents, blankets, beds, medicines, and food provisions to respond to natural disasters.

Preserving Cultural Heritage Amidst Natural Disasters

In the wake of the earthquake, several UNESCO World Heritage sites in Morocco have been severely damaged. However, immediate plans for the reconstruction of schools and cultural assets affected by the earthquake are underway. These include the medieval medina in Marrakech, a place of significant tangible and intangible heritage, and the Tinmel mosque, a symbolic place in the history of Morocco, which was almost entirely destroyed. UNESCO plans to send a team to assess the damage and work towards restoration.