Abdelouafi Laftit Appoints Khalid Ait Taleb as Wali of Fes-Meknes and Calls for Implementation of Royal Directives
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit stated during the appointment ceremony of Khalid Ait Taleb as Wali of the Fes-Meknes region and governor of Fes on Friday, that this royal appointment is part of a new dynamic of developmental and regional reforms called for by King Mohammed VI in both his Throne Day speech and his address to Parliament. Laftit clarified that the upcoming phase requires the launch of integrated development programs grounded in broad consultations with local stakeholders, primarily aimed at improving citizens’ living conditions and creating job opportunities, especially for youth and vulnerable rural and mountainous areas.
The minister noted that the Ministry of Interior is working to empower the governors and regional officials with all necessary legal and organizational resources to ensure their success as key drivers of territorial development. He added that achieving the objectives of the new development model relies on stimulating private investment, removing administrative obstacles, and improving the business climate. Laftit emphasized that security is the cornerstone of any sustainable development, urging the new wali to intensify efforts and enhance coordination between security agencies and local authorities to combat crime and security challenges, in order to preserve public order and the region’s attractiveness for investment.
The minister highlighted major infrastructure projects in the Fes-Meknes region, which include the construction of nine new hospitals with a total capacity of 270 beds at a total cost of 2.933 billion dirhams, the upgrade of 319 health centers, and the establishment of 35 new educational institutions. There are also significant road infrastructure projects spanning 485 kilometers, the construction of four major dams, and investments in water and wastewater management exceeding 3 billion dirhams. In the industrial sector, he pointed to the creation of six new industrial zones and industrial acceleration projects in the Ain Chekak area, along with support for handicrafts through specialized zones, which will contribute to creating thousands of job opportunities and supporting regional economic development.
The government official praised the efforts of elected representatives, local authorities, security services, and civil society in advancing the region, calling for enhanced collective mobilization to ensure the success of major royal initiatives and to achieve balanced development that guarantees the dignity of all citizens.
