Mohammed VI urges the government to extend Al-Haouz earthquake relief aid

The tragedy of the Al-Haouz earthquake is still present in Morocco. No one has yet forgotten what happened on 8 September last year, when 2,946 Moroccans lost their lives. Under Royal High Instructions, both the monarchy and the Moroccan government have approved the continuation of economic aid to more than 5,000 families who saw everything they had collapse.

This measure, communicated in an official press release by the head of the government, Aziz Akhannouch, makes it compulsory for the administration to complete the reconstruction work on the homes of the affected families. The prime minister explained that the extension is being made to ensure that families can repair their homes properly. 

It was an open secret. After the completion of the initial 12-month plan of 2,500 dirhams per month to each family whose homes were totally or partially destroyed, a second subsidy plan has been activated, this time with a larger budget of 2.5 billion dirhams. 

During the press conference, Akhannouch announced that families with partially damaged houses will receive 80,000 dirhams and those with totally destroyed houses will receive 140,000 dirhams, according to a royal order. Similarly, the ministers of economy and finance, interior, equipment and agriculture discussed the details of the programme and the measures to be taken in their specific areas. 

Akhannouch stressed the King's concern for the affected populations. The inter-ministerial commission assessed the damage and needs to coordinate the implementation of a support and recovery programme for the area following the monarch's guidelines. 

It aims to restore infrastructure and support the affected populations in the regions of Tata, Errachidia, Midelt, Ouarzazate, Tinghir and several other provinces in the southeast. The programme also aims to support agricultural activities in the disaster areas with measures to repair small and medium-sized hydraulic structures, and support for livestock farmers. 

The Finance and Economic Development Commission will discuss the financing and programming of this programme with the participation of the Minister of Economy and Finance. Public finance will be key to ensuring that operations run smoothly and that there is coordination between the different ministries. 

A further meeting has been scheduled with the Commission of Interior, Local Authorities and Housing, in which the Minister of Interior will be present, to discuss the series of actions to be taken to assist local communities in the rehabilitation with a focus on security, urban planning and risk management. 

In parallel, the Infrastructure, Energy and Mines Committee will discuss actions to be taken by the Minister of Equipment and Water to repair damaged infrastructure. Roads, bridges and irrigation networks are essential for the proper functioning of the region and need major works after the floods. 

There will also be a meeting of the Commission for Productive Sectors, where the Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fisheries and Rural Development will discuss measures to support agriculture in the affected areas. Support will be provided to improve irrigation areas and help affected farmers rebuild their livestock, with the aim of boosting the agricultural economy.

For the King, and the government, it is not only the restoration of housing and public infrastructure that has been a crucial issue during these almost 13 months. The psychological support and backing from Moroccan society has been exemplary and a demonstration of the solidarity of the Moroccan people.