Tangier’s mayor, Mounir Laymouri, has responded to FIFA’s concerns regarding the city’s preparedness for hosting the World Cup by emphasizing ongoing efforts to enhance infrastructure and services across various sectors. These initiatives aim to align Tangier with international standards and provide a world-class experience for visitors.
Transportation Upgrades
The mayor highlighted that improvements in public transportation will play a key role in reducing congestion on main roads and offering sustainable solutions for traffic challenges in the future.
Green Spaces and Urban Sustainability
On the issue of green spaces, Laymouri noted the city council’s commitment to expanding and enhancing these areas to meet residents’ needs and create natural retreats within the urban environment. Currently, Tangier’s green spaces cover approximately 460 hectares, with an annual budget of 79 million dirhams allocated for their management. Efforts are also underway to increase this coverage to meet the global standard of 10 square meters per person. Additionally, the city boasts urban forests spanning over 4,000 hectares.
Utility Management and Regional Coordination
As the president of the inter-municipal utility group for the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region, Laymouri explained the group’s role in managing water, electricity, and wastewater services. Established under Organic Law 112.14, the group comprises 171 members from various municipalities and regional councils.
The group is currently working on concrete initiatives to improve service quality and ensure sustainability. This new management model, already implemented in two other regions, is expected to positively impact citizens’ purchasing power while addressing any observed challenges before full implementation in Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima.
Transition to Public Utility Management
Starting June 1, 2025, the group and its associated multi-service company will gradually replace private operators managing water, electricity, and wastewater services, as outlined in a letter from the Ministry of Interior. This transition will follow the completion of necessary technical studies, ensuring seamless integration and improved service delivery.
These developments reflect Tangier’s commitment to meeting FIFA’s expectations while enhancing urban sustainability, infrastructure, and public services for residents and visitors alike. The city is positioning itself as a reliable host for global events, reinforcing its regional and international standing.
