Radio ExpressTV
Live
New Democrats Call for Emergency Plan to Address Flood Damage
The New Democratic Party has urged the government to launch an emergency plan to compensate those affected by the recent floods, emphasizing that the success of field rescue operations must be complemented by urgent social and economic measures to protect citizens’ livelihoods and dignity.
In a statement from the party’s political bureau, it was noted that this exceptional phase highlighted a “human and national epic,” under royal guidance from King Mohammed VI, who directed the mobilization of various national resources to save lives and provide support to citizens in the affected areas.
The party commended the preparedness and professionalism demonstrated by the Royal Armed Forces, gendarmerie, civil protection, and local authorities, asserting that their interventions exemplified the model of a “caring state” amid challenging climatic and geographical conditions. It also praised the role of civil society and citizens in reinforcing values of solidarity and national unity.
Conversely, the party stressed that the scale of material damages affecting the everyday lives of the affected families necessitates immediate government action. It called on the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries to conduct a comprehensive assessment of losses and compensate small and medium farmers who lost their crops or livestock, to ensure their social stability and continuity of production.
Additionally, it urged that small and medium merchants whose shops were flooded and whose goods were damaged receive direct support to enable them to resume their economic activities as soon as possible.
On the housing front, the party called for the inclusion of families whose homes collapsed or were severely damaged in social housing programs, advocating for the exceptional and rapid activation of the disaster solidarity fund.
It also called upon the Ministry of Interior and Local Authorities to allocate exceptional financial support to the affected municipalities for the repair of infrastructure and the rehabilitation of sewage systems to ensure the smooth flow of rainwater and mitigate future flood risks, along with road repairs and restoring electricity to the affected areas.
In another vein, the party demanded fair compensation for sanitation workers and municipal agents who worked on the front lines during the crisis, proposing exceptional hazard pay in recognition of their efforts under harsh conditions.
The New Democrats concluded their statement by reaffirming that the national solidarity characterized the rescue phase and must be matched by strong government commitment to protect livelihoods and support those affected, thereby enhancing trust and upholding the principle of social justice in the face of disasters.
