Rachidia hosted the tenth edition of the “Path of Achievements” event yesterday, where Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch delivered a detailed presentation on the developmental dynamics in the Drâa-Tafilalet region. He emphasized that the government is committed to reducing regional disparities and ensuring development equity across all areas of the kingdom.
Akhannouch stressed that “the government cannot abandon any region or community,” pointing out that although the area has substantial potential, it still faces challenges that require continuous intervention. He outlined that recent years have seen the launch of extensive projects aimed at improving social and economic conditions, particularly in health, education, infrastructure, and the provision of water and electricity in rural areas.
The Prime Minister revealed that a university hospital will be established in the region by 2027, while the regional hospital in Rissani is set to open in April 2026. Additionally, two new hospitals are under construction in the province of Ouarzazate, and a hospital in Tinghir opened its doors last July and is currently accepting patients.
Regarding Boumalne Dades, a new hospital will be built alongside the expansion of the provincial hospital, scheduled for completion in 2027. In Midelt, the provincial hospital will be ready by 2026 following the community’s demand for its rehabilitation.
Akhannouch also noted the rehabilitation of over 100 health centers, primarily in rural areas, with 83 centers now operational. In the education sector, he highlighted that the region has 428 leading schools and ongoing work to establish a vocational city that will open next year, enhancing professional training and improving human resource quality in the area.
He stated that 1,645 kilometers of roads and paths have been completed as part of the program to reduce regional and social disparities, which has improved mobility and connected villages to urban centers and essential services.
The Prime Minister confirmed that the region has strong capabilities in agriculture, minerals, renewable energy, handicrafts, and cinema, which have attracted new investments. In terms of air transport, connections to the airports of Ouarzazate, Zagora, and Rachidia have been strengthened, with a 14% increase in seating capacity to support the tourism sector.
The region benefits from three sites within the program for promoting tourist villages, out of 16 national sites, including the Ait Benhaddou Kasbah and Asoul village, aimed at enhancing rural tourism and creating job opportunities. Eleven hotels have been reopened and renovated, two of which are now operational, while nine additional hotels will be rehabilitated by 2026.
Furthermore, the Go Siyaha program supports ten projects in the region with direct financial grants and provides technical assistance for an additional 173 projects. Akhannouch concluded his presentation by asserting that these projects will generate thousands of job opportunities and support the local economy while preserving the region’s cultural identity.
