Morocco’s investment in the Rural Spatial and Social Disparities Reduction Program (2017-2023) has helped complete 8,170 projects out of a total of 10,939, a completion rate of 75%, Morocco’s Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced on Tuesday in Rabat, Morocco’s Press Agency (MAP) reported.
The completed projects include 2,511 road and rural pathway upgrades, 1,981 education sector improvements, 1,462 health sector projects, 1,273 electrification initiatives, and 943 drinking water supply projects.
With a total budget of MAD 50 billion, the program is intended to improve connectivity in rural and mountainous areas through road development and enhance access to essential services such as education, electricity, potable water, and healthcare.
The minister highlighted the positive impact of the completed projects in reducing spatial and social disparities in the most vulnerable municipalities, which previously were below the average level of regional development in Morocco.
The municipalities have “significantly benefited” from road and rural pathway improvements, as well as enhanced access to electricity, Laftit asserted. 70% of the program’s budget is allocated to road infrastructure, with a focus on classified roads, which has led to the construction and rehabilitation of 3,246 kilometers of roads, he said.
4,572 kilometers of unclassified roads have also been maintained and upgraded under the program.
Laftit outlined where the program receives its funding: 40% (MAD 20 Bln) from regional councils, 21% (10.5 MMDH) from the Rural Development and Mountainous Areas Fund, 16% (MAD 8 Bln) from the Ministry of Equipment and Water, and 8% (MAD 5 Bln) from the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH).
Additional contributions come from the Ministry of National Education (5%), the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (5%), and the Ministries of Health and Agriculture (each contributing MAD 2 Bln).
Since the program’s inception in 2017, seven annual regional action plans have been developed, with a cumulative budget of approximately MAD 49.25 Bln, accounting for 99% of the total program budget.
Minister Laftit reported MAD 45.77 billion (90% of planned credits) in funds allocated, with regional councils having received MAD 18.87 billion out of MAD 19.89 billion (94%), the Rural Development and Mountainous Areas Fund MAD 19.28 billion out of MAD 23.3 billion (83%), the INDH MAD 4.1 billion, and the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water MAD 3.52 billion out of 2.56 billion (137%).
For 2017-2023, total program funds were 43.5 billion dirhams (96% of allocated credits), while disbursements exceeded MAD 32.2 billion (74%). Commitment rates varied by region, ranging from 90% in Fès-Meknès to 99% in Rabat-Salé-Kénitra and Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra. Payment rates ranged from 68% in Drâa-Tafilalet and Guelmim-Oued Noun to 96% in Dakhla-Oued Ed-Dahab.
As of now,1,464 projects are currently in progress, according to the minister.