Akhannouch defends infrastructure technique as opposition requires extra social focus
Akhannouch detailed Morocco’s infrastructure achievements, noting vital strides in transportation, power, and water administration. Since 1999, the nation’s freeway community expanded from 80 kilometers to 1,800, whereas the rail community grew to 2,309 kilometers, together with 200 kilometers of high-speed traces.
With almost 58,000 kilometers of roads, Morocco ranks sixteenth globally for highway density. The variety of airports has elevated from 15 to 25, and the variety of ports has grown from 24 to 43. Additionally, the nation boasts 154 massive dams, up from 95 in 1999, with a mixed capability of over 20 billion cubic meters.
These developments, Akhannouch emphasised, have bolstered Morocco’s regional affect, securing the nation’s position because the host of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations and the 2030 World Cup. I
nfrastructure upgrades are already underway in six cities chosen as World Cup venues, together with the development of 45 stadiums and coaching websites, with the Hassan II stadium in Ben Slimane serving as a key aspect of the broader city improvement technique.
However, opposition events seized the chance to critique the federal government’s progress, questioning the tangible advantages of those investments. The Socialist Union (USFP) opposition, by MPs Aouicha Zelfi and Saïd Baaziz, argued that infrastructure spending has not addressed essential points like unemployment and regional disparities.
Despite the monetary sources allotted, they mentioned, the federal government has didn’t create adequate jobs or stimulate native development. Zelfi highlighted the paradox that unemployment, notably amongst youth, continues to rise regardless of growing funding in infrastructure.
The opposition additionally criticized the federal government for not successfully mobilizing non-public sector investments, regardless of quite a few finance legal guidelines geared toward stimulating enterprise development. They additional emphasised the necessity for a balanced method that prioritizes human improvement, together with enhancements in training, healthcare, and rural improvement.
Mohammed Ouzzine from the Popular Movement celebration careworn that Morocco’s true power lies in its human capital, not simply in bodily infrastructure.
Yousef Bizid of the Progress and Socialism celebration echoed these considerations, criticizing the federal government’s give attention to infrastructure whereas Morocco’s financial development stays sluggish and poverty continues to have an effect on thousands and thousands. Bizid pointed to the rising unemployment fee amongst younger individuals and the nation’s excessive reliance on social help.
In response, Akhannouch unveiled plans to get rid of slums by resettling 120,000 households by 2028. This initiative will likely be supported by a five-year program (2024-2028) providing monetary help for households buying properties costing between 250,000 and 300,000 dirhams. Additionally, a renovation program will likely be launched for six World Cup cities, specializing in city improvement and public amenities. The authorities can be prioritizing cultural heritage with restoration initiatives in cities like Agadir and Tangier.
Akhannouch concluded by reaffirming the federal government’s dedication to assembly its nationwide improvement targets by 2030, with a give attention to strengthening the social state, stimulating financial development, and selling funding.
Public funding in infrastructure has surged, growing from 230 billion dirhams in 2021 to 335 billion in 2024, with projections of 340 billion dirhams for 2025.
