Morocco’s King underscores achievements of Sahara development model

King Mohammed VI welcomed the achievements of a development model launched in 2015 to upgrade infrastructure as well as social services in the southern provinces.

In seven years, the 77-billion dirham development program ($8 billion) is 80% complete with landmark projects such as the Tiznit-Dakhla highway in its final stages, the King said in a speech marking the 47th anniversary of the return of the southern provinces to the homeland.

Under the program, the Sahara regions have been connected to the national power grid and communication networks. It also provided for the completion of wind and solar energy projects as Morocco aspires to generate 52% of its energy from renewable sources.

The King also underscored the importance of the Dakhla port whose construction will begin soon once studies are over.

“The implementation rate of most projects planned in the phosphate, water and sanitation sectors is quite high,” said the Monarch.

Special attention is also given in the development model to social services notably health, education and vocational training as well as culture and sports.

“In keeping with a spirit of national responsibility, I invite the private sector to continue to be engaged in productive investment in these provinces, particularly in projects of a social nature,” he said.