As part of preparations for the second phase of the domestic development program, Mauritania's M'heria district has emerged as a priority area. The district has a significant population of 57,936 inhabitants, according to the 2023 census. This makes it one of the most populous districts in the Takant region. M'heria district has a higher population density compared to other districts in the region, such as Tichka with 4,490 inhabitants and Tjekkja with 52,334 inhabitants.
The district's largest municipality, Tamourt El Naaj, has a population of 30,545 inhabitants, making it the largest municipality in M'heria district. The large population has resulted in increasing challenges in education, infrastructure, and services. Residents of Tamourt El Naaj have emphasized the need for a new secondary school or expansion of the existing one, which was initially built with eight classrooms and now has 16 classrooms with at least 100 students per class.
The rehabilitation of the old secondary school is also crucial to alleviate pressure on existing educational institutions. Infrastructure development is also a pressing concern, with residents calling for the renovation of the road linking Sakara and Tjekkja to improve transportation and connectivity. Additionally, there is a need to strengthen and expand the water and electricity networks in various areas of the district to ensure continuity of these essential services.
Improving healthcare services is also a priority, with residents advocating for the establishment of a hospital or comprehensive healthcare center in Tamourt El Naaj. This would address the growing population's need for specialized medical services. Supporting agricultural and livestock activities and creating job opportunities for young people are also essential to promote stability and improve living conditions for residents.
The concerns of M'heria district residents are not just local issues but pressing priorities driven by population density and service shortages. Residents hope that M'heria district, particularly Tamourt El Naaj, will receive attention commensurate with its population size and actual needs under the second phase of the domestic development program.
Residents expect their concerns to be addressed through concrete projects that reflect the principle of fairness in project distribution and link development to citizens' needs. The government's domestic development program aims to identify citizen needs and listen to their demands, and M'heria district residents are eager to see their priorities addressed.
Key points
- M'heria district has a population of nearly 58,000 inhabitants and is seeking a development boost.
- The district's largest municipality, Tamourt El Naaj, faces significant challenges in education, infrastructure, and services due to its large population.
- Residents are advocating for improvements in education, infrastructure, healthcare, and job creation to address pressing needs driven by population growth.