Baraka: National and Rural Road Repair is a Priority for Enhancing Development and Achieving Spatial Justice
Nizar Baraka, Minister of Equipment and Water, acknowledged the poor quality of 37% of the national road network, asserting that the government aims to raise the proportion of good roads to 80%, while also focusing on the repair of 500 kilometers of rural roads annually.
During a session of oral questions in the House of Councillors on Tuesday, Baraka pointed out that identifying roads in need of maintenance is a significant effort, noting that currently only 63% of roads are of good quality. He added that the government has signed agreements with various parties to expedite the repair of rural roads and contribute to funding infrastructure projects in rural areas.
The minister emphasized that the government is operating under specific conditions, prioritizing the rehabilitation of rural areas, strengthening development, and alleviating the isolation of some regions by providing adequate road infrastructure. He affirmed that the challenge lies in balancing these objectives.
Regarding rural development, Baraka explained that King Mohammed VI’s speech before Parliament referred to an “emerging Morocco,” which encompasses not only economic progress but also the achievement of real spatial justice. He pointed out that the Rural Development Fund has invested 55 billion dirhams to improve infrastructure in rural areas, emphasizing the importance of directing these resources to have a tangible impact on citizens.
The minister noted that Morocco has experienced a severe drought that has hindered the achievement of some developmental goals, stressing the need to shift the mindset from isolated sector demands to integrated policies that lead to comprehensive development. He highlighted the necessity of finding new economic activities in rural areas to foster sustainable growth beyond the agricultural sector, referencing royal directives aimed at upgrading all regions of the kingdom.
Baraka also mentioned that direct social support has alleviated some of the impacts of the social crisis, but he underscored the need for a comprehensive developmental model that includes agricultural, industrial, and tourism sectors, providing promising prospects for rural development. In the context of attracting investment, the minister clarified that the National Investment Charter offers advantages related to local aspects to enhance development in less-invested regions, thereby increasing the appeal of these areas and boosting territorial development.
