This funding is the first tranche of a wider €1 billion initiative to revitalize affected areas. This project illustrates the commitment of Morocco and the EIB to restore stability and improve the living conditions of affected communities.
Morocco has formalized, in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB), a major agreement intended to finance the Integrated Post-Earthquake Reconstruction and Modernization Program in the Al Haouz region. This agreement, signed Thursday, represents a financial commitment of 5.65 billion dirhams (approximately 532 million US dollars), aimed at restoring and modernizing essential infrastructure in areas hard hit by the recent earthquake.
According to statements by Fouzi Lekjaa, Minister Delegate in charge of the Budget, to the Agence Maghreb Arabe Presse (MAP), this strategic partnership will make it possible to mobilize the resources necessary for the reconstruction of damaged infrastructure, while ensuring the rehabilitation of public services in the affected areas. The program will be implemented in two phases spread over a period of five years. The first phase will be devoted to the restoration of vital infrastructure, primarily roads, to restore traffic and access to basic services. The second, more ambitious phase will focus on creating an integrated territorial and socio-economic development model, aiming to revive the local economy and strengthen the resilience of populations.
Ioannis Tsakiris, Vice-President of the EIB, during his official visit to Morocco, highlighted the importance of this project for the restoration of vital services in the disaster regions, while emphasizing the sustainable and resilient dimension of infrastructure which will be rebuilt. “This funding will not only rehabilitate essential infrastructure, but also ensure its modernization by making it more resilient and environmentally friendly,” he said.
The EIB, known for its commitment to climate goals and sustainable development, is also committed to supporting the reconstruction of schools, roads and hospitals to international standards. This initiative is fully in line with the objectives of the EU-Morocco Green Partnership, which advocates sustainable infrastructure and strengthened action against climate change.
In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), this reconstruction program aims in particular to guarantee quality education (SDG 4), access to health care (SDG 3) and reinforced action against climate change. (SDG 13). Through this initiative, Morocco confirms its commitment to rebuilding more robust and sustainable infrastructure, while laying the foundations for a resilient future in the face of disasters.natural.
RT/ac/APA
