Earthquake: Germany ready to support Morocco’s reconstruction efforts

The German Federal government has voiced readiness to support Morocco’s reconstruction of the Atlas Mountain villages destroyed by the devastating earthquake that hit the country on Sept.08.

The supportive stand was expressed Thursday by German State Secretary Jochen Flasbarth in a tweet posted following his meeting in Rabat with Moroccan foreign minister Nasser Bourita

He offered his condolences for the loss of life in the 7-magnitude quake that rocked the North African Kingdom, saying that talks with the Moroccan top diplomat focused on reconstruction and “where we can provide quick and effective support.”

Morocco is planning to spend nearly $12 billion on a post-earthquake reconstruction plan over the next five years. The plan was announced during a meeting chaired Wednesday by King Mohammed VI at the Royal Place in Rabat.

The plan, which targets the provinces of Marrakech, Al Haouz, Taroudant, Chichaoua, Azilal and Ouarzazate, focuses on rehousing the affected population and upgrading infrastructure in a way that is conducive to social and economic development in the quake-hit areas.

The plan would be funded by the government’s budget, international aid and by a fund set up in response to the quake.