Over 12 Billion Dirhams Allocated for Major Development Projects to Establish Fez-Meknes as a Leading Economic and Tourism Hub
Interior Minister Abdelouafi Laftit announced today in Fez that the Fez-Meknes region is becoming a promising model for development in Morocco, with over 12.26 billion dirhams allocated to significant development projects aimed at making the region a national leader in both economic and tourism sectors.
Speaking at the inauguration ceremony for Moaad Jamai, newly appointed by King Mohammed VI as Wali of the Fez-Meknes region and Governor of Fez Prefecture, Minister Laftit highlighted that these projects are structured into two main components. The first involves large-scale infrastructural projects exceeding 11 billion dirhams, while the second part of the strategic program focuses on the development and restoration of the ancient city of Fez, with an investment of 1.26 billion dirhams planned for 2025-2029.
The first component includes projects across various sectors, such as:
- Road infrastructure with a budget of 3.65 million dirhams, including the construction of five ring roads, major urban entrances, and main and secondary roads.
- Transport sector enhancement with 754 million dirhams allocated for new urban and public transportation modes.
- Sports facilities with 373 million dirhams.
- Health and social protection with 370 million dirhams, directed toward upgrading the regional Ghassani Hospital, Ibn al-Khatib Hospital, and establishing emergency and burn centers.
- Social solidarity and national cooperation with 87 million dirhams to enhance facilities for the homeless and street children and create economic and social integration platforms for women.
- Energy transition and environmental sustainability with 828 million dirhams for public lighting installations powered by solar energy in administrative buildings, major sites, squares, and primary corridors, along with other environmental projects.
- Local facilities such as markets, bus stations, and the expansion of video surveillance systems.
The second component of the strategic program focuses on the development and preservation of the ancient city of Fez, enhancing its attractiveness and surroundings from 2025 to 2029 with an investment of 1.26 billion dirhams, in partnership with the Ministry of Interior and the Ministry of Economy and Finance. This includes:
- Restoring historical heritage with 108 million dirhams.
- Urban rehabilitation with 647 million dirhams.
- Economic and tourism appeal improvement with 165 million dirhams, including contributions to the restoration of deteriorating private hotels and the repurposing of bus stations.
- Renovation of local facilities with 184 million dirhams.
- Repairing dilapidated buildings with 100 million dirhams.
- Human capacity building with 9 million dirhams for training and supporting artisans, traders, and craftsmen.
In addition, Minister Laftit mentioned other parallel projects aimed at enhancing daily life in the region, including:
- Income improvement and economic integration for youth through the National Initiative for Human Development, with 676 social economy projects.
- Water and electricity accessibility with 519 projects costing over 50 million dirhams.
- Road development with 29 projects valued at 50 million dirhams.
- Health services improvement with 500 million dirhams allocated to modernize the Hassan II University Hospital and 420 million dirhams for the construction of the Bensouda Labor Hospital.
These projects underscore the Moroccan government’s commitment to making Fez-Meknes a model of sustainable development and a driving force for economic growth and improved quality of life for its residents.
