Nizar Baraka, the Secretary-General of the Independence Party and Minister of Equipment and Water, stated that Moroccan engineers are called upon to play a pivotal role in the success of major strategic projects taking place in the Kingdom, under the leadership of His Majesty King Mohammed VI. He emphasized that the success of these projects relies on mobilizing national talents, particularly engineers.
This announcement was made during the opening of the regional forum for the Association of Independence Engineers in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, held yesterday in Larache, with participation from various professionals and stakeholders in engineering, equipment, and water sectors.
Baraka highlighted that the government has increased public investment directed toward the equipment and water sectors, rising from 40 billion dirhams to 70 billion dirhams between 2022 and 2025, with the involvement of the private sector, local authorities, and pension funds. This necessitates enhanced coordination and efficiency in project execution and field implementation.
The minister pointed out the progress made in water projects, especially regarding mobile desalination plants, locally manufactured with a 40% integration rate, along with projects aimed at connecting water basins to promote spatial justice. He stressed that the extreme climate changes Morocco is facing require a structural shift in managing water resources by developing unconventional sources and managing demand in the long term.
Regarding the road sector, he noted that the ministry currently allocates 45% of its budget to maintenance work to ensure the sustainability of the national network. He also discussed several major projects in the railway sector, including the Tangier-Tetouan line and the high-speed train connecting Marrakech and Kenitra, confirming that these projects will contribute to creating a strong economic dynamism across various regions.
Baraka reiterated the importance of an integrated vision linking water, energy, and food security, asserting that the national industry is now engaged in this dynamic by providing locally manufactured strategic equipment.
The government official called for the adoption of a new basic law specific to engineers that elevates their professional status and enhances the quality of training and practice. He urged the Association of Independence Engineers to actively participate in the transformative dynamics through contributing to thought, guidance, and initiatives.
Khalid Al-Atabi, representing the Association of Independence Engineers in the Larache region, emphasized that the Moroccan engineer is a cornerstone in development projects, especially amid current environmental, digital, and energy challenges. He affirmed that spatial justice, sustainability, and digitization should become essential elements in the formulation and planning of public policies.
Aziz Helali, a member of the Executive Committee of the Independence Party and President of the Association of Independence Engineers, stated that the meeting is part of a continuous dynamic experienced by the association on a national level, where 28 regional offices have been established or renewed, reflecting a strong desire to enhance the role of engineers in serving development and reducing spatial disparities.
