Ouarzazate launches development projects to strengthen infrastructure and resilience

A series of Ouarzazate development projects was launched to strengthen essential infrastructure across the province as Morocco marks the 27th anniversary of the Throne Day celebrations. The initiatives aim to improve access to basic services while supporting the province’s ongoing development and post-disaster recovery efforts.

Governor Abdellah Jahid officially launched several projects focused on upgrading areas affected by flooding, alongside infrastructure works included in the reconstruction and rehabilitation program for communities impacted by the September 8, 2023 earthquake.

According to Ibrahim Hamou Aouja, Director General of the local development company Ouarzazate Aménagement, the program includes 18 projects. These consist of 12 road sections covering a total of 35 kilometers, as well as six projects dedicated to electricity, drinking water, and sanitation networks.

He said the earthquake rehabilitation program also includes improvements to water, electricity, and sanitation systems in the village of Aït Ighmour. The project has a budget of approximately MAD 5.7 million and is expected to be completed within six months.

In the city of Ouarzazate, authorities also launched two major infrastructure projects designed to reinforce the sanitation network, improve operational efficiency, reduce flood risks, and enhance the quality of public services.

Mohamed Abdelmajid, Director of the Ouarzazate branch of the Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Multi-Services Company, said the first project involves rehabilitating the city’s main wastewater treatment station at a cost of MAD 5.76 million. The second focuses on upgrading the sanitation and stormwater drainage network with an investment of MAD 5.28 million.

He explained that both projects will improve the efficiency of wastewater infrastructure, reduce odor emissions caused by deteriorated pipelines, strengthen environmental protection, and improve road safety through the rehabilitation of damaged manholes and sewer covers.

In the municipality of Skoura, construction also began on a new Civil Protection center intended to improve emergency response capacity and strengthen local public safety services.

The facility forms part of a regional agreement to combat oasis fires and represents an investment of MAD 12 million. Officials expect the project to improve the speed and effectiveness of Civil Protection interventions while enhancing the protection of people and property.