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Baraka: Rain and Snowfall Disrupt Traffic on Over 165 Road Segments
Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water, revealed that the torrential rains experienced in several regions of the Kingdom between December 12 and January 7 resulted in the blocking of traffic on more than 165 road segments due to rising water levels in rivers and streams, as well as landslides and rockfalls.
During the weekly question session at the House of Representatives, Baraka explained that the exceptional snowfall, which reached up to three meters thick in some areas, disrupted travel on approximately 88 regional, provincial, and national road segments, covering a total length of nearly 2,435 kilometers, particularly in the provinces of Al Hoceima, Jerada, Tinghir, Azilal, and Taroudant.
Regarding intervention operations, the minister indicated that the average time to clear the affected roads ranged between 16 and 28 hours. This timeframe decreased to between 14 and 24 hours for national roads, noting that several routes had to be reopened multiple times due to repeated snowfall.
Baraka added that during the same period, the provinces of Azilal, Midelt, Khénifra, Ouarzazate, and Tinghir were reinforced with additional snow removal equipment, with a mobilization of 832 personnel, including engineers, technicians, operators, and laborers, along with 360 machines, including snowplows and graders.
In related news, Baraka confirmed that approximately 500 kilometers of unclassified rural roads are repaired annually in partnership with local authorities, alongside the implementation of a program specifically for roads connecting communities, prioritizing routes leading to educational institutions, clinics, and markets, to reduce school dropouts and improve access to essential services.
The Minister’s address faced criticism from several MPs who raised concerns about the condition of roads in their electoral districts, with some accusing the government of politicizing road construction and repair, particularly in the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region.
On another note, Baraka announced that discussions are now focused on the construction of the “Ourika Tunnel” to connect Marrakech with southeastern regions instead of the “Tichka Tunnel,” asserting that studies have shown it to be the preferable option, with a length of nearly 10 kilometers.
The minister explained that multiple studies have been carried out in this regard, and preparations are currently underway for a final basic study to assess the geological conditions and the execution of the project. He noted that technical difficulties had previously hindered the progress of companies that applied for the project. However, he confirmed that his ministry is currently reviewing proposals from foreign companies, emphasizing that the implementation of this tunnel remains a crucial and vital project for the region.
