King Mohammed launches projects in northern regions

King Mohammed VI, who started on Tuesday a tour in drought-stricken regions, launched in Ksar El-Kebir a handicraft village, a drinking water supply project and an eight-km long rural road.

The handicraft village, extending over 2.2 square kilometers, will require a $360,000 budget. It will be co-financed by the department of handicraft, the agency in charge of developing Morocco's northern provinces, the association of the city's craftsmen and the city municipal council.

Comprising 29 workshops, the project will consist of spaces for production, exhibition and marketing of handicraft items in addition to training.

The king also launched construction works for an eight-km long rural road between the city and the Oued El-Makhazine dam.

The road, expected to cost $1 million, is meant to break the region's isolation. Works are estimated to last 12 months.

On the same day, King Mohammed VI launched construction works of a $47 million-worth project to supply drinking water to 383,000 persons in three northern cities and neighboring villages. Germany will be contributing 70% of the project total cost.

The king's trip is meant to alleviate effects of a dry season on drought-stricken populations and boost social action and economic activity in the regions.

The government had devised a $655 million-program to face effects of a second consecutive dry season. The sum will be mainly used to carry out job-generating projects in rural areas, ensure regular water supply, cancel small farmers' debts and finance wheat imports.