Drâa-Tafilalet: El Mansouri assesses progress of urban planning and housing programs

As part of the implementation of the High Royal Instructions, aimed at reducing territorial disparities and improving the living conditions of citizens in rural and urban areas, Fatima Ezzahra El Mansouri, Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, began on Monday, May 19, a field visit in the Drâa-Tafilalet region.

This visit, which is part of the ministry’s strategy, aims to closely review the achievements made since 2021, evaluate the progress of ongoing works and scheduled projects in the region, as well as to give new momentum to urban planning, housing, and city policy programs.

City Policy: Commitments for the province of Ouarzazate

The first stage of this regional tour, which continues until Wednesday, May 21, focused on the province of Ouarzazate. «Our goal is to accelerate the upgrading of rural and urban centers and improve the living conditions of the citizens of the Drâa-Tafilalet region», emphasized the minister.

To this end, El Mansouri signed two agreements for the upgrading of centers in the rural communes of the Ouarzazate province and the urban upgrading of the city, in partnership with the Drâa-Tafilalet Regional Council, the Ouarzazate Provincial Council, and the councils of the concerned communes. These agreements will mobilize a budget envelope of 358 million dirhams over the 2025-2026 period, including 128 million financed by the ministry, for the upgrading of rural and urban centers in the province between 2025 and 2026.

Post-earthquake reconstruction: Concrete results on the ground

In the province of Ouarzazate, reconstruction is progressing at a steady pace: 3,736 reconstruction and rehabilitation sites have already been completed as of May 15, 2025, representing 86% of the opened sites. The minister praised the efforts made at all levels by the local population and local actors. «All residents who applied have received authorization to rebuild. All operations are carried out with rigorous technical monitoring and close support for families in partnership with authorities, elected officials, and local actors», the minister stated.

Anmid: An example of humane and supportive relocation

One of the highlights of this first stage was the visit to Douar Anmid, in the commune of Khouzama (province of Ouarzazate). This douar, affected by the earthquake of September 8, 2023, was the subject of a reconstruction project with an innovative approach. The inhabitants were relocated to a neighboring, more stable plateau and were able to rebuild their homes with dignity, respecting their way of life.

The inhabitants, organized in a local association, themselves carried the project through contracts directly with private construction companies.

During this visit, El Mansouri declared: «This innovative model, based on community solidarity, trust, and citizen empowerment, is a success to be praised. Each family has received the allocated public aid. On the ground, each household completes the finishing touches according to its taste and means». She added: «Seeing families regain footing and zest for life, in safe and decent homes, with hope and pride, is the greatest reward for all those working on the ground ». This reconstruction project enabled the construction of 145 housing units with an area of nearly 135 m² each, including 75 m² of living space per unit, with the involvement of the population, especially women.

Stabilization of the Tourassin douar, a project underway

The province of Ouarzazate is also involved in stabilization and protection works for the Tourassin douar against the risks of rockfalls following the earthquake. The planned works notably include cleaning and clearing the area, digging trenches to trap unstable rock blocks, and stabilizing the unstable rock blocks.