Emergency anti-drought program expounded at parliament

The government's emergency program to alleviate drought effects consists of supplying drinking water to the population, safeguarding livestock and creating jobs in the rural world.

The statement was made by water and forests minister, Said Chbaatou, at parliament question time on behalf of Agriculture, Rural Development and Fisheries Minister Habib El Malki.

He told representatives the government has earmarked a $655 million budget to make up for losses incurred by a dry season.

The prime minister has sent a note to all government members explaining the program's legal procedures, and a team of technical and financial experts chaired by economy and finance minister will be conducting a tri-monthly assessment of projected actions, he stated.

Meanwhile, the first stage of a $10 million program to control drought effects on forests was launched by the water and forests department. The program is expected to generate 1,137,000 working days in the period between April and June.