Human development initiative to spur social action, PM
Morocco, Politics, 5/31/2005

The National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) is to spur social action in Morocco through a global, integrated and lasting approach, said Moroccan premier, Driss jettou on the initiative announced lately by King Mohammed VI.

The sovereign announced on May 18 the large-scale, social policy dubbed "National Initiative for Human Development" based on integrated programs to reduce social disparities and fight exclusion. It is designed to provide basic infrastructure to millions, from adequate housing and drinking water to health care and education.

Jettou, at question period Monday at the House of representatives about the government declaration, said the approach is centered on three main aspects: upgrade infrastructure, public utilities and social services in poor rural and urban neighbourhoods, give impetus to job creating activities and improve the social services for people facing hardships or having special needs.

The Moroccan premier recalled the INDH gives priority to the poorest urban and rural zones, including 360 rural communes and 250 urban peripheral neighbourhoods in 41 towns which are to be included in the first stage of the INDH implementation.

The government is preparing a special program regarding the first INDH stage which will be presented to the king by the set deadline before it is introduced to the Parliament, said Jettou.

The INDH social challenge, said Jettou, requires the pursuing of efforts to improve the living, housing, health conditions in favour of poor groups in a bid to eradicate poverty and exclusion, develop the rural world and fight illiteracy.

Among the main sectors to be developed in initiative first phase, Jettou mentioned medical insurance for craftsmen and liberal professionals, medical assistance to the needy, retirement plans and funds reforming, the continuation of low cost housing, eradication of shanty towns and old houses at risk of collapse and employment.

Meantime, Belgian minister of cooperation for development, Armand de Decker, said his country will tune its cooperation projects in Morocco with the initiative for human development outlined by King Mohammed VI two weeks ago.

"The royal initiative will change the Moroccans life, and we will integrate in this sustainable development dynamic," the visiting Belgian official told MAP, describing the Royal speech as "a strong and major political act and a challenge to be taken on by the entire political class."

He also noted how Morocco is clearly progressing, modernising and better equipped, citing the developing road network, efforts to increase access to drinking water and the thriving middle class. He also talked about the exiting poverty, calling for gearing all efforts to end it.

The Moroccan-Belgian commission, slated to meet by end of this year, will address the delays in some joint projects, and will seek means to consolidate Belgian action in some sectors like education and stimulation of small and medium-sized enterprises, in addition to the traditional sectors of water and women promotion.

Previous Stories:
  Morocco's reforms to reach sustainable human development, minister   (5/26/2005)
  King chairs working session on implementation of National Initiative for Human development   (5/25/2005)
  Economic efforts will undoubtedly help improve social indicators, PM   (5/24/2005)

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