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In a candid acknowledgment of present challenges, Fatima Zahra Mansouri, Morocco’s Minister of National Land Development, Urban Planning, Housing, and City Policy, has revealed significant spatial disparities in the nation’s social housing program. The minister highlighted how these issues have concentrated development efforts in a few major cities, marginalizing smaller communities and limiting broader access to the program.
Spatial Disparities in Housing Development
During a recent session of parliamentary questioning, Mansouri detailed her concerns regarding the social housing initiative, which has a budget of 250,000 dirhams. The minister’s assessment indicated that a mere six regions, primarily large urban centers, have disproportionately benefitted from the program. This concentration, she explained, stems from program requirements mandating developers to construct at least 500 housing units, thereby favoring a handful of large real estate firms.
Efforts to Enhance Equity
In response to these imbalances, Mansouri introduced initiatives aimed at fostering social equity. A new direct housing support program aims to broaden accessibility across diverse regions, particularly targeting smaller cities and rural areas. The minister reported a significant social impact, noting that over 108,000 beneficiaries from middle and lower-income strata have accessed the program.
Geographic Distribution of Beneficiaries
Statistics revealed that Fes has emerged as the leading city for beneficiaries, followed by Berrechid, Meknes, Greater Casablanca, Kenitra, El Jadida, Benslimane, Settat, M’diq-Fnideq, and Oujda. The government is now redirecting efforts to ensure that smaller cities, which have previously been overlooked, receive adequate attention and resources.
Rural Inclusion Still Limited
While some gains have been achieved in rural housing, Mansouri noted that participation remains limited. There has been a recent push to involve the Urban Group in housing projects across more than 49 burgeoning rural centers throughout various regions. She reported an increase in rural beneficiaries to 7,489—representing over three times the figure recorded in the previous six years.
Closing her remarks, the minister highlighted the development of regional housing plans designed to bolster spatial equity and confirmed ongoing discussions with the Ministry of Economy and Finance to explore potential support for individual housing construction as a strategy to enhance the overall housing supply.
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Morocco’s housing program faces spatial disparities, with efforts underway to enhance accessibility in smaller cities and rural areas.
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Morocco’s Minister reveals social housing program disparities, signaling a shift toward greater equity for smaller communities!
