King Mhammed VI launches construction of mental rehab center in Essaouira

Morocco's King Mohammed VI launched in Essaouira Wednesday construction works of a rehabilitation center of mentally handicapped persons.

The 2 million dirham (US$ 222,000) project includes a reception desk, a multi-purpose room, a health center, 5 dorms, and other dependencies.

Were present at the ceremony advisers to king Mohammed VI, Andre Azoulay and Zoulikha Nasri and other officials.

The sovereign was briefed on other projects in the province, mainly residences for pupils of the Talmest, Bidzad and Ait Daoud regions to fight the dropout phenomenon. The projects, to cost some 3.6 million Dirhams (US$ 400,000), will benefit some 100 pupils each.

Each residence includes three dormitories, a multi-purpose room, a library and other dependencies.

King Mohammed VI later inquired about construction works and equipment of a cooperative for women working in Argan oil in the Lahssinate province. The project will enable training of some 50 women.

The king had earlier chaired the signing ceremony of a convention between the government and local authorities on the building of 143 km of rural roads in the Essaouira province.