Moroccan premier dedicates infrastructure projects in southern provinces
Morocco, Economics, 12/17/1998

Moroccan Prime Minister Abderrahmane Youssoufi chaired in Guelmim (Southern Morocco) Wednesday over the launching of several infrastructure projects for a total investment of 191 Mln DH ($ 20.7 Mln) in the Moroccan southern town of Guelmim.

The Moroccan premier who is visiting the territories for the first time since he was appointed last March is accompanied by a large ministerial delegation.

Among the projects dedicated, the prime minister launched works for the development of a major avenue and street lights in the city, gate of the Moroccan Sahara. Needed investments are estimated at 10 million dh (more than one million US dollars).

Another project worth around 40 mln dh ($ 4.3 million) for sanitation and waste water management in the city was launched. It is expected to be completed in two years.

The prime minister also launched works for the construction of three high schools, the extension of one high school and the construction of three primary schools in a neighboring rural commune for a total investment of 27.4 mln DH ($ 2.9 Mln).

At the village of Oum Lachaar (4 km from Guelmim), the ministerial delegation visited an agriculture development projects extending over 2,000 hectares, launched in 1994 thanks to an Italian government financing worth 68 mln DH ($ 7.3 mln).The project carried out with the collaboration of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, will increase the level of agriculture output, fight desert encroachment and feed underground water sheets.

In the town of Smara, the prime minister launched works to connect the city with the national electricity grid. The project, will be carried out by the Moroccan electricity Office (ONE) in 16 months for a total investment of 50 mln DH ($ 5.4 mln).

In Guelmim, the prime minister also met with local elected officials and notables to whom he affirmed that the final settlement of the "Sahara issue" will enable Morocco address further development requirements and deal with socio-economic issues in the southern provinces.

Youssoufi added that Morocco has made great efforts to face an artificial problem entirely fabricated by the enemies of its territorial integrity with the aim of diverting its attention from progress and development endeavors. He assured the local elected officials and dignitaries that the kingdom will continue to list the defense of its territories and the development of the southern provinces on top of its priorities.

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