Over $ 312 million spent to alleviate drought effects since April

Morocco has spent since last April 3.44 billion DH ($ 312,7 mln) in various programs to alleviate effects of two consecutive years of drought.

The figures were made public by a statement of the prime minister's office reporting on a meeting held on Monday to assess results of the program.

According to the source, drought effects-alleviation operations included measures to safeguard the livestock, drinking water supply, rural roads, small and middle size water facilities, supply of cereals, handling farmers debts and forest protection.

Agriculture, rural development, water and forests minister, Ismail Alaoui, presented a balance sheet of past actions since the program was launched last April and actions projected for the Oct-Dec 2000 period.

A budget of 3.44 billion DH ($ 312,7 mln) was used up to now and helped create 10 million work days, supply drinking water to 235,000 persons, permanent water supply to 532 villages (183,000 inhabitants), distribution of 360,000 tons of subsidized barley and farmers debts alleviation.

The statement also points out to some difficulties facing the implementation of programs, mainly the slow disbursement of funds, the weak number of local enterprises specialized in the needed projects, a shortage of skilled labor, a high demand of barley which is used both for human and animal consumption and difficulties in conveying the imported quantity to stock breeders.

For the Oct.-Dec.2000 period, the government has decided to allocate 1.239 billion DH ($ 112,6 million).

The prime minister has invited all government members not to give up mobilization and stressed the need to build on achievements and show solidarity with most affected regions.