Morocco nears end of quake reconstruction

Two years after the powerful earthquake that struck the High Atlas region, Morocco has built 92% of the demolished homes or 51,154, according to official figures.

The pace of construction will accelerate in the coming months, with the number of tents or huts significantly reduced.

The Kingdom has spent 6.9 billion dirhams in quake aid, including 4.5 billion dirhams for housing reconstruction and rehabilitation and 2.4 billion dirhams in emergency assistance, disbursed as monthly payments of 2,500 dirhams over 17 months following the violent tremor.

The reconstruction plan includes major upgrades to essential infrastructure. The national road linking Taroudant to Al Haouz is being upgraded, while 118 km of roads are currently under construction.

Works have also focused on the rehabilitation of 306 schools, with work ongoing at 34 more.

Tenders have been issued for the renovation of 186 additional schools across Al Haouz, Azilal, Chichaoua, Ouarzazate, and Taroudant.

Concerning hospitals, 103 health centers have been upgraded, with 78 already operational, and 25 are nearing completion.

The government has distributed livestock and barley for local farmers, as works to restore agricultural and economic infrastructure go according to plan.

Projects to connect rural areas to potable water networks have reached 52% completion.

The area, famous for its picturesque sceneries and riads saw 199 hospitality establishments modernized.