The Moroccan government has successfully overcome the delays in disbursing financial subsidies for its housing support program, according to Minister of National Land Planning, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy Samir Belfakih. The delays were primarily caused by technical issues, which have now been resolved. Belfakih announced that a financial envelope of nearly 300 million dirhams has been released, allowing for the settlement of most pending beneficiary files.

During a press conference following a government council meeting, Belfakih explained that the technical issues were related to the need for decrees granting signing authority to ministers. He highlighted that this procedural step enabled the resolution of most pending files. The housing support program aims to assist low-income households, with 70,000 and 100,000 dirham subsidies available to eligible beneficiaries.

The minister emphasized that the government aims to support approximately 300,000 beneficiaries by the end of 2028. He also mentioned that a comprehensive evaluation of the program's first phase will be conducted to assess its achievements. Furthermore, Belfakih announced plans to introduce a special urban planning law for rural areas in 2027, focusing on addressing development challenges in these regions.

In addition to the housing support program, Belfakih discussed initiatives to improve living conditions in rural areas. A project is underway to provide support for approximately 100,000 rural homes, with beneficiaries receiving 40,000 dirhams, as well as technical assistance and studies. The minister also highlighted recent visits to the cities of Smara, Laayoune, and Tarfaya, where he assessed the progress of urban policy projects.

Belfakih provided updates on several urban development projects, including a 680 million dirham project to develop the city of Laayoune in 2024, with the ministry contributing 300 million dirhams. He also mentioned projects in Smara, which include the rehousing of residents from informal settlements, and initiatives in Tarfaya, focusing on relocating fishermen to improve their living conditions.

The minister emphasized that housing and urban policy initiatives remain a top priority for the government. He highlighted the importance of addressing the needs of citizens, particularly in terms of housing and living conditions. Belfakih also stressed the government's commitment to preserving the purchasing power of Moroccans, citing various measures implemented to mitigate the impact of economic challenges.

In conclusion, the Moroccan government has made significant progress in resolving delays in its housing support program, with a focus on improving living conditions for low-income households. The government remains committed to addressing the needs of citizens, while also prioritizing economic stability and social welfare. Key initiatives, such as the housing support program and urban development projects, are expected to have a positive impact on the lives of thousands of Moroccans.

Key points

  • The Moroccan government has resolved delays in disbursing financial subsidies for its housing support program, with a financial envelope of nearly 300 million dirhams released.
  • The government aims to support approximately 300,000 beneficiaries by the end of 2028 through its housing support program.
  • Initiatives are underway to improve living conditions in rural areas, including a project to provide support for approximately 100,000 rural homes.

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SaharaWire Newsroom
SaharaWire

Reporting for SaharaWire from the Nairobi bureau.