Lafitit Reveals Progress on Flood Protection Projects in Boulmane Province
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit has unveiled updates regarding the implementation of a partnership agreement aimed at funding and executing projects to protect several centers and hamlets threatened by floods in Boulmane Province.
In a written response to a parliamentary question posed by deputy Rashid Hamouni, Lafitit noted that two significant projects have been completed to protect the Ayyat village from flooding, supervised by the Moulouya Watershed Agency, in addition to a project protecting the Ait Baza community center overseen by the Sebou Watershed Agency.
The Interior Minister emphasized that regional authorities have made considerable progress and exerted significant efforts in close coordination with various stakeholders to overcome challenges associated with the partnership agreement for flood protection in the province.
He pointed out that these projects align with an urgent approach aimed at safeguarding populations and infrastructure, taking into account the lessons learned from recent floods across different regions of the country. He highlighted that authorities aim to adopt a proactive and integrated approach to fortify the region against potential climate risks.
Regarding the delays in implementing the agreement, Lafitit explained that the issue stemmed from the failure to sign the previous amendment by the Ministry of Equipment and Water services. He indicated that a new amendment has been prepared that includes a more realistic vision, modifying three articles from the original agreement.
The minister added that under the adjustment concerning Article Seven, the Ministry of Equipment and Water will be responsible for executing the projects across ten hamlets, with a financial contribution amounting to 40.73 million dirhams. The roles of “delegated project owner” have been assigned to both the Sebou and Moulouya Watershed Agencies for the remaining projects, given their technical expertise in the hydraulic field.
Laftit stressed that all involved parties will continue to work towards accelerating the implementation of the agreement’s provisions, with the aim of commencing work as soon as possible to ensure better protection for the province’s residents.
