Agency of northern regions development draws balance sheet of its action
Morocco, Economics, 2/16/2000

The Moroccan agency for the development of northern regions (APDN) held on Tuesday in the northern city of Tetuan, the fifth session of its governing board under the chairmanship of Premier Abderrahmane Youssoufi.

The agency said it has carried out a package of projects in roads, rural electrification and drinking water supply to break the isolation of these regions, in addition to a series of agriculture and irrigation projects to promote the growing of produce to substitute the production of cannabis. Actions for the 2000-2001 period will require $15.5 million.

A 560-km long Mediterranean bypass, running along the Mediterranean shore between Tangiers (northwestern Morocco) and Saidia (northeastern Morocco) is being built. Important stretches have already been completed for a cost exceeding $12.5 million (125 million DH). Other secondary roads are also being built to break the isolation of most remote mountainous villages and localities. The agency also considers that supplying electricity to rural areas is another priority for the region and has, therefore, earmarked a budget of $81.6 million, including $22.5 million brought by local populations, to supply electricity to 61,145 households in 546 villages.

In drinking water, an ongoing program will bring water to 158,000 inhabitants with a contribution from the agency totaling $1.83 million. Another program is scheduled to increase access to drinking water from 14% in 1995 to 80% in 2005. Similar programs worth $18 million will benefit two villages (Midar and Driouch). The agency has also participated in improving drinking water supply in the city of Oujda (eastern Morocco) for a total cost of $1.5 million.

Other actions involve agriculture, rural development, sea fisheries, handicraft and tourism. In partnership with the European Union, the agency has earmarked a budget of $1.0 million to replace the Kif culture. Actions in tourism included campaigns to clean beaches and to foster populations' awareness to environment protection.

Meanwhile, the agency has also undertaken various works for the promotion of industrial parks in the area and the upgrading of social and cultural activities.

In realms of poverty reduction, a micro-credit program was started for women in Al Hoceima, benefiting around 603 craftsmen, 563 traders, 18 farmers and 195 service companies.

The agency is working in cooperation with the European Union, which earmarked 118 million ECU to the region and as part of bilateral cooperation with France and Spain which were its major partners and continue to support development efforts in the regions. Italy, Canada, the USA and Japan are also associated in various projects.

Previous Stories:
  Moroccan-French meeting on eastern Morocco development   (1/29/2000)
  French delegation visits eastern Morocco   (1/27/2000)
  Government announces $ 100 mln to alleviate poverty   (1/18/2000)

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