This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Hibapress
Morocco and the European Union (EU) signed, Monday in Rabat, a financing agreement of 190 million euros (nearly 2 billion dirhams) for the integrated program for the reconstruction and upgrading of disaster areas ( 2024-2028). This financing agreement was signed by the Minister Delegate for the Budget, Fouzi Lekjaa, and the European Commissioner for Neighborhood and Enlargement, Olivér Várhelyi.
This program, which extends over two years (2024-2025), aims to support people affected by the earthquake by ensuring them access to rehabilitated or reconstructed homes, to contribute to the restart of public services, particularly in health and education sectors, and to revive economic activity while strengthening territorial cohesion in disaster areas.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Lekjaa stressed that the integrated program for reconstruction and upgrading of the disaster areas reflects the commitment of the Moroccan government to meeting the essential needs of the populations affected by the earthquake, noting that “more than 63,800 households affected by the earthquake have already received emergency aid.” The minister also highlighted the importance of restoring public services, particularly in the areas of health and education, while revitalizing the economy of the affected regions.
He also highlighted the exemplary solidarity of Moroccan civil society and the concerted efforts of various stakeholders to ensure sustainable reconstruction and strengthen the resilience of the territories concerned.
For his part, Mr. Varhelyi indicated that this contribution aims not only at the reconstruction of essential public services, but also at the revitalization of the local economy. At the same time, he welcomed the involvement of the European Investment Bank (EIB), a key partner, which agreed to mobilize significant investments, thus demonstrating the EU’s support for Morocco and its affected population. by this catastrophe.
This agreement complements a first payment of 380 million dirhams – MDH (35.6 million euros) made in December 2023, thus bringing total EU aid to more than 2.4 billion dirhams in donations (225 million euros). A call for proposals intended for civil society organizations, with a budget of more than 60 MDH (5.7 million euros), was launched to promote the preservation and enhancement of local heritage as well as to strengthen the community participation in reconstruction efforts.
At the same time, the EIB signed an agreement in October 2024 covering an envelope of approximately 5.4 billion dirhams (500 million euros), the first tranche of a total loan of 10.7 billion dirhams (1 billion euros). , guaranteed by the EU, in order to contribute to post-earthquake reconstruction efforts.
