Morocco Unveils $12 Billion Earthquake Recovery Plan, Emergency Aid Imminent

An ambitious reconstruction plan, with a budget of 120 billion dirhams, has been unveiled. Focused on four major axes, it aims to rehouse the victims, rebuild the dwellings, rehabilitate the infrastructure, open up the affected territories, fill the social deficits and promote the local economic activity.

The program is structured around two pillars. The first, with 22 billion dirhams, concerns the reconstruction of housing and infrastructure. Of this envelope, 8 billion dirhams will be allocated to emergency aid and reconstruction, while 14 billion dirhams will be used for various rehabilitation projects. The second pillar, costing 98 billion dirhams, focuses on the development of infrastructure, the enhancement of agricultural and tourism activities, and the improvement of public services.

To ensure the effectiveness of the program, an agency will be set up. It will oversee the disbursement of aid, the implementation of projects and ensure coordination between the various stakeholders involved.

The official figures show the extent of the disaster: 163 affected communes, or 68% of the disaster area. Nearly 2.8 million people were affected, with 2,930 villages hit. Of the 59,674 damaged buildings, 32% were completely destroyed.