Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima: Approval of several socio-economic and cultural projects. Credit: MAP
The Council of the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, meeting on Monday in its ordinary session for the month of July, approved several conventions and projects with economic, social and cultural impact.
During this session, chaired by the President of the Council, Omar Moro, in the presence of the Wali of the region, Younes Tazi, examined the 58 items on the agenda, relating to projects with an economic dimension, with the aim of creating jobs, attracting investments and promoting the regional economy, as well as projects related to the upgrading and structuring of rural and urban areas, the strengthening of the region’s infrastructure and the modernization of the distribution network, through the upgrading of markets and slaughterhouses, the promotion of cultural infrastructure and artistic animation.
Speaking on this occasion, Moro addressed the national context characterized by the consolidation of the pillars of the social state, the promotion of investments and the management of water and energy, with a view to achieving food security. , welcoming the achievements accomplished at different levels which will benefit Moroccan citizens.
The President of the Council welcomed the mid-term assessment of the Council, which was based on a participatory and consensual approach to achieve the objectives set relating to the achievement of fair, balanced and sustainable regional development, recalling that the 2022-2027 regional development plan reflects the strategic vision of the issue of development, taking into consideration the specificities of the region, current issues, and the national and international contexts.
In this regard, he stressed that the regional development plan now has the contractual frameworks necessary for its implementation, noting that 201 agreements have been concluded to date, with a budget envelope of approximately 15.78 billion of dirhams, or 80% of the total commitments included in the regional development plan.
The Council thus unanimously approved an amendment to an agreement relating to the projects of the 2022-2027 regional development program linked to the agriculture and fisheries sectors in the region, the construction and equipment of two modern slaughterhouses in the provinces of Ouezzane and Larache, the development of livestock markets in the region, as well as the creation and development of weekly markets.
It also approved the upgrading of rural centers and the rural road network, and technical assistance for the management of drinking water distribution facilities, through public fountains built by the region.
On the cultural level, the Council approved draft agreements concerning the implementation of projects in the cultural sector included in the regional development program, the construction and equipment of cultural centers in Beni Bouayach (province of Al Hoceima), Ksar El Kébir (province of Larache) and in the province of Fahs-Anjra.
Among the projects that were adopted also include the upgrade of the Martil tower (M’diq-Fnideq prefecture), the enhancement of the historic site of Lixus (province of Larache), the upgrade of the archaeological site of Ksar Sghir (province of Fahs-Anjra) and the Kasbah of Chefchaouen, the development of spaces adjacent to the ramparts of the medina of Assilah, as well as the restoration and upgrading of the Plaza de Toros in Tangier.
Added to this is the approval of an amendment concerning the conventions of support for cultural festivals, the construction of a space of historical memory of the resistance and liberation in Fnideq, as well as support for the Maison de la presse.
Regarding the social aspect, the members of the Council gave the green light to the creation of a multidisciplinary social center for children without families with disabilities in Tangier, as well as to the upgrading, extension and the equipment of the Arrazi psychiatric hospital in Tangier, in addition to approving an amendment to the partnership agreement with the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity concerning social and development projects in the region, as well as the creation of districts of police and the equipment of a prefectural medical clinic in Tangier.
The council also approved a partnership project for the extension and development of the Ibn Battouta airport in Tangier, the construction of a bridge over the Al Wahda dam between the commune of Zghira (Ouezzane province) and the commune of Tafrant (Taounate province, Fez-Meknes region), the completion of construction work on an accommodation and training center, as well as a multi-sports hall in Aït Kamra (Al Hoceima province), and the financing of the 2023-2024 program for upgrading under-equipped neighborhoods in Tetouan.
It also adopted the points relating to the extension of the video surveillance network and the improvement of traffic in the municipality of Tangier, the creation of a landfill and waste recovery center, as well as two transfer centers in the province of Larache, the upgrade and closure of current landfills and the elimination of black spots in the province.
The members of the Council also approved the project of a partnership agreement with the Moroccan Agency for Energy Efficiency for the development of the regional plan for the development of energy efficiency and decarbonization, and a third amendment to the partnership with Royal Air Morocco.
In terms of governance and territorial management, the members of the council approved the amendment of decisions concerning the Al Boughaz local transport development company in Tangier, support for the Talassemtane, Tizirane, Sahel and Bab Al Karn groupings of communes in the province of Chefchaouen, as well as membership in the Al Taaoune group of communes in the province of Al Hoceima.
The council also approved the draft regional execution contract for the implementation of projects included in the roadmap for the tourism sector by 2026, the projects of the regional development program relating to the industrial sector, as well as agreements relating to the construction of wholesale markets in the provinces of Larache and Ouezzane, the construction of a House of Crafts in the province of Fahs-Anjra, support for artisans in the jewelry sector, and support for actors in the social and solidarity economy in the region.
Regarding economic support and support, the council approved a draft amendment to the specifications of the Northern Fund for Investment and Development (NORDEV), as well as 51 partnership projects for support for undertaken within the framework of the Fund, in addition to the approval of the region’s membership in the Mediterranean Climate Action Partnership (MCAP).
It was also decided to postpone the examination of the points relating to the financing and the implementation of the 2nd phase of the program of consolidation and treatment of buildings threatening to collapse in the medina of Tangier 2024-2027, as well as the acquisition of land intended for the creation of an economic and craft activity zone in Larache.
