Morocco's need in housing, 125,000

Though 90,000 dwellings are built annually, 125,000 households are still in need, said director general of the National Agency of shanty towns fighting (ANHI), Abdelaziz Filali.

Filali, told the Tangiers-based "Medi 1" radio station, that among these households, some 40,000 opt for shanty towns and irregular housing.

Casablanca, where most of the problem is focused, has 50% of Morocco's shanty towns, he said. "We have 445 shanty towns in Casablanca and each one need specific intervention."

As for solutions, the executive said that in some shanty towns, restructuring can be carried out locally, while in others, it is necessary either to set up equipment meeting the standards or completely move inhabitants.

Filali added that the problem can not be solved immediately, though all parties are mobilized to try to ease the demand, especially in Casablanca.

Shanty towns remain a problem for 4 million Moroccans and 40,000 unhealthy dwellings are created every year, the radio said.