Morocco has invested 7.9 billion MAD to restore 21 old medinas in some of Morocco’s more popular tourism destinations.
Speaking at the House of Representatives’ question time on Monday, Head of Government Aziz Akhannouch said that the continued and accelerated implementation of old medinas’ rehabilitation and enhancement program will preserve the historical and human heritage of the Kingdom by conserving the ancient urban fabric and addressing structural dysfunctions.
The Head of Government added that “significant measures were undertaken in 2023, including the completion of restoration and enhancement works for four ksours, bringing the total restored to 18 out of 22, benefitting around 18,500 inhabitants.”
Akhannouch highlighted the government’s national vision to be implemented through the 2024 action plan, which focuses on restoring and enhancing the remaining ksours, and effectively developing the sustainable valorization program for ksours and Kasbahs for 2024-2028. This includes the initial partnership agreements with the various stakeholders.
He also acknowledged the challenges posed by dilapidated housing in old medinas, including endangering “urban structure, aesthetics, and citizen safety.”
Since the 2012 official census of dilapidated housing, a number of agreements have been signed impacting nearly 43,000 buildings and homes for over 75,600 families, at a cost of 8.11 billion MAD, with the State contributing 2.2 billion MAD.
By the end of 2023, over 18,000 housing units had been repaired, improving living conditions for nearly 47,000 families out of 75,000 households affected, a 62% completion rate.
He also noted that the North African country implemented a geographic information system to oversee and manage a nationwide database to monitor dilapidated structures. Through this digital system, over 57,000 dilapidated housing units were identified in 2023 and more than 47,000 private buildings underwent technical assessments in Morocco’s old medinas.