The Minister of National Land Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and Urban Policy, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, announced the approval of 847 construction projects in rural areas in 2023, an increase 600% compared to previous years. This progress is part of the publication of the joint circular between his ministry and that of the Interior.
During her response to an oral question in the House of Representatives, Ms. El Mansouri clarified that these projects were approved after the examination of 1,792 construction requests, highlighting the significant progress made. She also recalled that the joint circular made it possible to demarcate 3,166 douars, representing a total area of 78,000 hectares, for the benefit of 1.455 million people, an increase of 224%.
However, the minister highlighted that the main obstacle to granting permits in these rural areas remains land issues and ownership documents. This challenge remains a hindrance for urban agencies and local authorities, complicating the construction authorization procedure.
In this context, El Mansouri mentioned draft law n°90/12 relating to town planning, which is ready and is currently the subject of consultations with stakeholders. Another bill on urban agencies is also in preparation, with a particular approach dedicated to the rural world, in order to respond to the specificities of these territories.
M.Ba.
Morocco
