Morocco allocates 45.4 percent of budget to social sectors

Morocco has allocated 45.4% of its 1999-2000 general budget to social sectors, said Moroccan secretary of state in charge of social welfare, family and children, Mohamed Said Saadi.

However, for the official, Morocco should have allocated 50% of its budget to social sectors, which encompass education, youth and sports, health and cultural affairs, in order to achieve an efficient social action.

He added that the rate represented a rise in comparison with previous budgets. In the 1998-99 budget, the share stood at 44% while in 1997-98 it represented 41% of the state budget.

The secretary of state, who was speaking to heads of social associations in Marrakesh, added that the creation in March 1997 of the department he is chairing is an indication of the government's approach to development issues.

He added that Morocco has achieved a sound evolution in infrastructure, productive sectors, political reforms, democratization, involving citizens in the management of public affairs and protection and preservation of human rights.

He conceded that social sectors are still experiencing some problems and need a general mobilization to fight poverty and meet the needs of citizens.