Virtual Magazine of Morocco on the Web
Morocco Week in Review 
January 14, 2006

WB grants Morocco EUR 49.5 million to finance drinking water project.
Morocco must double job creation to avoid mass unemployment.
Morocco determined to enhance human potential.
Mâamora Forest Lhafi launches 2005-2006 afforestation campaign.
Princess Lalla Meryem inaugurates anti-measles vaccination campaign.
A marathon experience in Morocco.
Anti-drug operation: Olive trees to replace kif in Larache.
Morocco to solve city crowding with new towns.
Electronic instruments to control receipts of visits to tourist monuments and historic sites.
King Kicks off Tangier US$ 78.3Mn four-year development program.

WB grants Morocco EUR 49.5 million to finance drinking water project.

The World Bank (WB) granted Morocco a loan of 49.5 million Euros intended for financing a project of supplying drinking water and fitting-out in a rural area, which will benefit 500.000 inhabitants in some 1.200 douars (hamlets), repoted MAP news agency. The loan, refundable in 22 years with a six-year period of grace, was signed, on Monday in Rabat, by the WB's chief bureau in Morocco, Ferid Belhaj, and the General Manager of the National Office of Drinking Water (ONEP), Ali Fassi Fihri. The guarantee agreement was signed by Belhaj and minister of Finance and Privatization Fathallah Oualalou.

The project, which will cost USD 200 million, gives priority to the provinces of Essaouira, Safi, El Jadida, Taza and Taounate. It aims at improving the degree of access to drinking water by 4% at the national level, part of nationwide an operation aiming at bringing this to 92% in 2007, and encouraging waste management. The funding is part of two operations of financial support to the sector development realised in 2005, within the framework of the WB's Country Assistance Strategy (CAS) from 2005 to 2009, estimated at USD 350 million 
----------------------------------------------

Morocco must double job creation to avoid mass unemployment.

(MENAFN) An official report revealed that Morocco must double job creation to 400,000 a year over the next 20 years to prevent mass unemployment that would threaten its stability, Reuters reported. The report is the result of two years of work by dozens of Morocco's leading experts, who considered how to cure the country's problems of poverty, shaky economic growth and corruption. A surge in jobs will come only from strong growth of a competitive economy that integrates Morocco in the global economy and filters down development benefits into the long neglected rural regions, the report added. Morocco would face economic stagnation, water shortage, and mass unemployment if it failed to embrace a sound strategy to steer the country towards a bright future. The report blamed government neglect of the rural population and of women in the past as among the main causes of the country's current difficulties.
http://www.menafn.com/qn_news_story_s.asp?StoryId=121291 
----------------------------------------------

Morocco determined to enhance human potential.

Since its independence, Morocco has adopted a long process to enhance its human potential and has worked to establish a modern economy capable of guaranteeing the country's development, noted a report on Morocco's human development during the last 50 years and on prospects for 2025. The report, drawn up under the instructions of King Mohammed VI, noted that this process which was adopted under different names - "human resources development," "social policies" and social development" -aimed at promoting and consolidating domestic capacities and improving living standards.

Concerning the enhancement of human potential, which is among the first development indicators, the results of the last 50 years are not optimal, pointed out the report, made by a committee under the chairmanship of the King's advisor, Abdelaziz Meziane Belfkih. Even though important efforts have been made in terms of electrification, drinkable water supply, and opening up remote areas, these initiatives and services have not yet been generalized, said the report. It noted that "it is only in the last ten years that key programmes have been launched to tackle these disparities with satisfying results, particularly in rural and suburban areas."

The document underlined that in the post independence, the State has exerted significant efforts in the field of education, recalling that until the late 70s, the national education system has fulfilled its mission in general. Despite important deficits encountered at the beginning and despite the demographic growth, the State managed to expand Moroccans' access to education and provide the administration and the national economy with necessary executives and managers. In addition, the educational system has become a platform for social mobility, openness and access to modernity.

However, since the early 80s, the educational system has witnessed a long crisis despite a series of reforms, sometimes improvised and often incomplete. It has become a low profitable machine, generating degrees that are not in harmony with the changes and needs of the modern economy and society, deplored the report. This system has resulted in performances that are deteriorating even more in areas that are far from urban agglomerations, added the report.

Underlining that important efforts have been made in managers' training and vocational training, the document noted that higher education has strongly contributed in the two decades following independence to providing the necessary managers for the structures of a modern State.

In the fields of health, social protection and fighting poverty, the report pointed out that Moroccans' health level has significantly improved since independence, underlining the end of diseases and epidemics that ravaged the country. Life expectancy has significantly increased and currently exceeds 70 years, though under that of developed countries.

The document deplored that some indicators of infant and maternal health are still alarming, hampering the level of the country's human development. Morocco has not managed to definitely tackle the problems related to the "diseases of poor countries" while it has to face an increase of "diseases of rich countries" that are more difficult and more expensive to deal with.

Access to medical care remains incomplete and unequal; meanwhile, the state of care units and public hospitals stagnates or deteriorates despite the isolated attempts of some doctors or Moroccan researchers, said the report.
It also pointed out that the lack of financial means represented an obstacle, stating that a new financial and management strategy in the public health sector is crucial to prevent a further deterioration.

On social protection, several reforms have been made to expand medical coverage of impoverished persons and diversify services. The report indicates that the level of social protection remains insufficient and creates serious problems of viability. If breakthroughs have been made in the quality of human resources in terms of health administration, there is still a huge gap between projects of reform and their implementation, said the report.

Several problems directly linked to governance still exist, notably with regard to the lack of a strategic action framework and a global vision for the health system, the excessive centralism of health administration, the weak development of local services and the crisis of public hospitals. According to the report, the level of human development in Morocco is still affected by the persistence of poverty. Because of demographic growth, it said, the absolute number of poor people has remained around 5 millions in average, including three quarters in rural areas.

After it recalled the national economy evolution since independence, the document noted that except some forms of public generosity and State assistance, such as support to basic alimentary products, the systematic fight of poverty is a recent concern in public policies. It noted that these policies remain insufficient and do not rely on the principle of reinforcing the capacities of individuals so that they take themselves in charge in the long run.

After independence, said the report, Morocco has worked to establish a modern economy by putting the necessary bases such as the issuing of a national currency, the creation of regularization bodies and fiscal, monetary and budget policies tools, control of inflation, the development of a national financing system, the setting up of small and middle-sized enterprises and a network of private groups serving as a locomotive in certain economic branches.

The report also pointed out to significant strides such as the increase of populations' living standards in terms of revenues, purchase power, consumption and saving. The document noted that the Moroccan economy growth has been stagnant since 1955 and that the rise of revenues per capita was weak.

The same source ascribes this weak performance to a series of factors related to the macro-economic environment, the agricultural and private sectors, difficult access to loans, the high interest rates, real estate complications, administrative obstacles and judicial uncertainty. As to the national economy competitiveness, it has remained under aspirations especially because of the weakness of productivity and the feeble contribution of qualified manpower among the global manpower.

The report said the domestic market is scanty due to smuggling, the feeble domestic consumption and the development of an informal economy on which currently depends a large part of the urban population. Evoking the measures adopted to speed up growth and development in Morocco, the document referred to a train of actions and legislative, financial, administrative, social and educational reforms. This is the way to attract foreign investments, multiply the creation of enterprises and create activities with a higher added value, said the report.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=11960 
----------------------------------------------

Mâamora Forest Lhafi launches 2005-2006 afforestation campaign.
By Bachir Niah. 1/8/2006 Khemisset

The High Commissioner for Water, Forests and the Fight against Desertification, Abdeladim Lhafi, has paid a field visit to the forests of Khemisset province, where he launched two sustainable-development projects, part of the 2005-2006 afforestation campaign. The first project, worth MAD 1,325,197, on an area of 179 ha, is part of the implementation of a plan to safeguard the Mâamora Forest. It aims at safeguarding unique forest specie: Cork Oak trees.

"We all know that there is a great potential in the region. But, as a result of a number of factors, such as climate, we have realised that the rehabilitation of Mâamora Forest needs an afforestation operation," said Lhafi. He added that this afforestation operation, which will be on an area of 180 ha, is part of a ten-year operation of the rehabilitation of Mâamora that started in 2005.

The second project, worth over MAD 2,700,000, relates to the afforestation and the establishement of a garden and a sports hall in Oued Beht, Khemisset province. The project aims at creating a leisure space for the population of the region and providing a source of revenues. "This project is part of the rehabilitation programme of the Maâmora Forest by creating a leasure space. The forest is exploited socially and economically. It has also to be exploited recreationally, both for Khemesset population and highway users," stressed the high commissioner.

The high commissariat for Water, Forests and the Fight against Desertification (HCEFLCD), launched these projects in partnership with local district councils, which constitute a privileged partner for HCEFLCD, given the role they play in the orienting and guiding the population and elaborating local development projects. Accompanied by the governor of the province of Khemesset, Abdeladim Lhafi, presided over the Forests Provincial Council meeting in the rural district of Sidi Boukhalkhal, Khemisset province. The meeting was an opportunity to review the accomplishments of the partnership with local district councils and the problems and dangers that face the forest.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/Paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=12010 
----------------------------------------------

Princess Lalla Meryem inaugurates anti-measles vaccination campaign.

Princess Lalla Meryem chaired Monday in Tnin l'Ourika, 40 km from Marrakech, the start of the national vaccination campaign against measles and rubella. The campaign is part of the efforts to eradicate the two diseases by 2010. It will inoculate 477,172 school children nationwide, including 17,798 in the Haouz province (Marrakech region), where the Princess started the campaign.

Princess Lalla Meryem also inaugurated the "Dar Al Oumouma" health centre, built to help cut down mortality among women giving birth by providing pre-and post-natal care to women coming from the surroundings. The 370 m2 centre, built as part of the National Initiative for Human Development initiated last year to fight poverty and exclusion, cost more that MAD 2 million. It will house some 800 pregnant women annually. Women can stay in the centre five days before giving birth. The centre's staff will also raise awareness among the region's women on issues relating to pregnancy, birth, child care. Attendance is expected to total 3,000 women per year.

The ceremony was marked by the signing of an entente memorandum by the Moroccan Health Ministry and UNICEF concerning the purchase by Morocco of vaccines and medical equipment. These purchases now require hard currency and pre-payment through UNICEF. The princess, chairwoman of the National Observatory of Children's Rights (ONDE), also chaired in Marrakech the inauguration of a regional centre looking after women and children who are victim of violence. The centre is in the Ibn Zohr Hospital. The centre, a first of a series of 11 throughout the country, will host and rehabilitate violence victims, by, amongst other things, providing care and follow-up.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=12054 
----------------------------------------------

A marathon experience in Morocco.

The Marrakech marathon in Morocco is reported to be one of the fastest races of its kind in the world, and this year's event is scheduled to take place on January 29th. The city has long been a favourite with backpackers and other adventurous tourists, but is expected to see an even greater influx of visitors than usual for the 17th annual race, when over 5,000 hopefuls will compete. The January temperature of 20 degrees C is a relatively mild one, although supply points offering water, dates, raisins and slices of orange as sustenance will be distributed at intervals of around 5km.

The route itself is notable for its alleys of palm trees and the orange orchards and olive groves of the Menara Gardens, and it also skirts the remaining ramparts of the ancient city of Medina. Medina is home to Marrakech's bustling and boisterous traders and skilled artisans. Bargain-hunters will not be afraid to barter for a piece of exquisite Marrakechi art, and each craft has its own specific area in the city.

As well as buying, it will be possible to watch the craftspeople at work, whether beating out brass and copper, or making sieves and slippers.
Jewellers, carpenters and apothecaries also jostle for attention. For other key sights, such as the towering Koutoubia Mosques minaret, it may be worth hailing one of the 300 horse drawn carriages that are a regular sight around the city.
http://www.gotravelinsurance.co.uk/public/news.asp?id=15128747 
----------------------------------------------

Anti-drug operation: Olive trees to replace kif in Larache.
By Amine Faraj

Local authorities in Larache province, northern Morocco, have decided to substitute the cultivation of cannabis with olive trees, reported MAP news agency. After the destruction of the cannabis cultivated on more than 4,000 hectares, which started in June 2005, the Larache authorities are providing alternative solutions for local farmers to substitute Cannabis with olive trees.

According to the Regional Agency for Agricultural Development of Loukous region (ORMVAL), studies showed that olive trees of "Haouzia" species constitute the best cultivating substitution for that region. This species could adapt to the region's rude climate and produce high quality oil.
Hence, the farmers would have sufficient legal incomes.

Last Friday, the governor of the province, Maoulainine Ben Khalihanna, presided over the distribution of the first olive tree saplins in the rural commune of "El Kula" near Larache city. This was the first step of the planting programme which combines the efforts of local authorities, local citizens and the ORMVAL.

The project received a common approval of local farmers. This has been the result of an efficient sensitisation effort that succeeded in convincing the locals of the possible benefits of an alternative cultivation.

The plan aims to distribute over 50,000 olive trees this year. A common agreement was made with all the rural communities in order to harmonise the efforts of all involved parties. The programme is worth MAD 5 million, say ORMVAL executives. The cannabis framers are very poor. The culture of "Kif" constitutes the only, but a very low, income source available under the rude climate of Morocco's northern regions. Farmers are completely exploited by drug traffickers, but they hardly profit at all.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=12058 
----------------------------------------------

Morocco to solve city crowding with new towns.
08 Jan 2006 Source: Reuters By Lamine Ghanmi RABAT, Jan 8 (Reuters)

The first of more than a dozen new towns designed to relieve overcrowding in Moroccan cities and empty the country's slums will be ready for inhabitants this year, Housing Minister Ahmed Taoufiq Hejira told Reuters. Overcrowding, rising house prices, urban shantytowns and frustration that has boiled over into bombing campaigns by people trapped in the slums has led Morocco to conceive and now begin building planned cities intended to make a better future."The only way to unblock the big cities and improve living standards of the population is to build new towns," Hejira told Reuters on Friday.

The plan will see Morocco create one new town from sratch each year until 2020. The government and private business are joining hands in the drive to build the towns, with the government offering expertise, cheap real estate and subsidies. "The prices of homes and land in the new cities are two-thirds less than elsewhere," Hejira said.

The first of the planned new towns is Tamansourt located about 15 km (nine miles) northeast of Marrakesh. It could potentially house 300,000 people and will be ready to start receiving inhabitants this year, Hejira said. A similar town named Tamesma outside Rabat will take root in 2007 and other new cities will be built in the following years outside big towns like Casablanca and Agadir, he added.

Morocco has decided to make a concerted break with a past town planning mentality that focused mostly on urban expansion. "There is a saturation in the cities and urban areas and the land prices are very high...prohibitive even for the middle class to get decent homes,"
Hejira said. Tamansourt and the other planned cities offer various choices for inhabitants ranging from villas to buildings and neighbourhoods modelled on old Arab Casbah architecture. More than half a million people living in what authorities refer to as "insalubrious homes" across the country will have access to the new cities, backed by the government subsidies. About 5,000 families in Marrakesh will be relocated to Tamansourt, the government has said.

HIGH DEMAND
About 10 billion dirhams ($1.10 billion), most of it private sector money, will be invested in Tamansourt. That will include investments in industrial and tourism zones to offer jobs and business opportunities for residents, officials said. "For 58,000 housing units already built, demands from individuals and private sector business totalled 120,000. This demand proves that the strategy to build new towns is sound," said Kathib el Khebil, a top government town planning official. The government has another plan to invest 1.5 billion euro ($1.81 billion) in eradicating the slums that scar the edges of the country's 70 main cities rather than just attempt to hide them behind high walls.

Twelve Islamist suicide-bombers emerged from Thomas shantytown on the margin of Morocco's financial capital Casablanca to kill 33 people and themselves in four separate attacks on May 16, 2003. The bombings jolted the authorities into action to tackle poverty and improve living conditions, officials said. Casablanca alone has a population of 4.5 million people where more than 225,000 families live in one of its 330 slums, according to official figures.
http://www.alertnet.org/thenews/newsdesk/L08741975.htm 
----------------------------------------------

Electronic instruments to control receipts of visits to tourist monuments and historic sites.

Mohamed Achaari minister of Culture announced that his department is reconsidering, next February, the means of controlling the receipts generated by the tourist visits to the monuments and historic sites in Morocco, reported MAP news agency. He said that electronic instruments have been installed for the first time on a number of sites to optimize this operation.

Answering on Tuesday an oral question in the House of the Advisers, Achaari explained that the receipts from tourist visits to the monuments and historic sites remain relatively low in comparison with their potentials. He added that the responsibility for the protection of these sites lies within the competence of the local communities. In addition, the minister underlined that the National Fund of the Cultural Action, created in 1983, determines in a clear way and specifies the distribution, nature and origin of its incomes. He stressing that this fund makes it possible to intervene in a continuous way, especially in the fields of animation and the rehabilitation of historic buildings.

The fund's income, he explained, comes from the receipts of the museums and monuments but also gifts and contributions by public and private institutions. "The fund is subjected to the same control as the general budget and the same procedures are also followed," he added. The minister concluded by saying that the fund will receive in 2006 nearly MAD 130 million, a sum that will be allocated to finance important cultural projects in Rabat.
http://www.moroccotimes.com/paper/article.asp?idr=2&id=12113 
----------------------------------------------

King Kicks off Tangier US$ 78.3Mn four-year development program.
Tangier, Jan. 14

King Mohammed VI of Morocco chaired here on Saturday the signing ceremony of the convention on the implementation of the development programme of the northern town of Tangier that was allotted a budget of MAD 705Mn, US$ 78.3Mn. The Sovereign visited on the occasion two squares of the town under rehabilitation, "9 Avril" and "Nations" circules, part of the town urban upgrading program started in 2005 and the development of the Tangier region, including the under construction Tanger-Med port meant as a hub for merchandise coming in and coming out of Europe from and to other regions.

The main aspect of the upgrading program is to renovate public transmission and roads lines that are to receive an investment of MAD 393Mn, while green spaces MAD 90Mn, public light MAD 70MN and street sidewalks and facades revamp up MAD 70Mn. For culture and entertainment and leisure projects, the program earmarks MAD 30Mn for the construction of an general purpose sports facility and MAD 27Mn to a theater and a conservatory. The restructuring of urban market places receives MAD 10Mn and restoring the walls and historical monuments and sites MAD 8Mn in the framework of the development program.
http://www.map.ma/eng/sections/box1/king_kicks_off_tangi/view 
********************************************* 

These postings are provided without permission of the copyright owner for purposes of criticism, comment, scholarship, and research under the "Fair Use" provisions of U.S. Government copyright laws and it may not be distributed further without permission of the identified copyright owner.  The poster does not vouch for the accuracy of the content of the message, which is the sole responsibility of the copyright holder.