Morocco’s Construction Industry Seeks Government Aid Amid COVID-19 Crisis

On the brink of the abyss, the players in the construction sector, a sector heavily impacted by the covid-19 pandemic, are calling on the government for help. To this end, they have sent a letter to the head of government, Saâd-Eddine El Othmani, in which they have also made proposals for a way out of the crisis, reports Les Inspirations éco.

The sector is experiencing a drop in turnover. The National Federation of Construction (FNBTP) indicates a 75% drop for construction and 60% for public works. This shows how hard the sector has been hit, like the other sectors of activity. From the current situation of the sector, exposed to the government, we note the lack of manpower on construction sites due to the state of emergency, a drop in productivity and the problem of supply on the sites. There is also the closure of several raw material factories. The Federation deplores the lack of assistance from the banks to the sector.

The FNBTP is calling on the government to anticipate the recovery by preserving the production tool. In other words, construction professionals are counting on an increase in public orders after the crisis to allow them to bounce back. But for now, they have made proposals for better crisis management. This includes the resumption of suspended construction sites and the continuity of the sector’s activities, as well as clarification by the CNSS of the employees who should benefit from the lump-sum allowance of 2,000 dirhams.

Head of Government Saâd-Eddine El Othmani is being asked to suspend deadlines and late penalties for companies, and to give priority in the award of public contracts. To this must be added the release of guarantees and advances on invoices, for the statements, in order to allow companies to manage cash flow deficits. The Federation has also asked the government to require the banking sector to postpone loan repayment deadlines without interest.