Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch Highlights Infrastructure Achievements as Key to Sustainable Development

During a public session dedicated to monthly oral questions addressed to the Prime Minister in the House of Representatives on December 16, 2024, Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch discussed infrastructure as a central area reflecting Morocco’s strategic directions towards enhancing comprehensive and sustainable development.

In his speech, the Prime Minister outlined the significant achievements Morocco has made in this vital sector, emphasizing that infrastructure is a priority driven by His Majesty King Mohammed VI and based on a comprehensive vision aimed at improving the lives of citizens, particularly in remote and rural areas.

Akhannouch stressed that, thanks to the wise royal vision, Morocco has made substantial progress in infrastructure development, positioning the country as a leader in Africa. He highlighted that Morocco ranked first in Africa according to the African Governance Index for 2024, released at the end of October, noting that this achievement was a result of the government’s extensive efforts to modernize and develop key sectors.

The Prime Minister pointed out that Morocco has made remarkable progress in roads and transportation. He explained that the country has transformed from having a weak road network at the beginning of the century to one of the best road systems in the world. Morocco currently ranks 16th globally for road density and quality, with over 8,000 kilometers of paved roads, including 2,164 kilometers of highways. These achievements serve as critical foundations for economic growth, facilitating transportation and supporting both domestic and international trade.

Regarding the railway sector, the Prime Minister stated that Morocco has successfully modernized and expanded its railway network, developing over 2,390 kilometers of railway lines, including 200 kilometers of high-speed lines and 64% of electrified tracks. This significant development contributes to faster travel between major cities and remote areas, enhancing Morocco’s ability to attract investments.

In the aviation sector, the Prime Minister emphasized that Morocco has seen a significant increase in the number of airports, rising from 15 airports in 1999 to 25 airports currently, 19 of which are international. He affirmed that these infrastructure achievements have bolstered Morocco’s position as a regional air transport hub.

Akhannouch also discussed major achievements in the maritime sector, noting that the Tangier Med Port has become the largest container port in the Mediterranean and Africa. He regarded this milestone as a significant indicator of progress in the ports sector, which is vital for international trade.

He further mentioned that the government has made considerable efforts to address water challenges by building many dams. The number of dams has increased from 95 in 1999 to 154 large dams today, with a storage capacity exceeding 20 billion cubic meters.

The Prime Minister also stressed that infrastructure development is not just about material achievements, but also requires a focus on social justice. He highlighted the government’s work in reducing regional disparities, particularly in rural and mountainous areas, through investments in health, education, water, and electricity. Programs like “Reducing Regional and Social Disparities” have helped improve the living conditions of around 230,000 families by providing drinking water and electricity in remote villages.

In conclusion, the Prime Minister emphasized that through these strategic infrastructure achievements, Morocco is steadily moving towards comprehensive and sustainable development that ensures a prosperous future for all citizens. He reaffirmed the government’s firm commitment to advancing further in this field, which will strengthen Morocco’s position on both the African and international stages.

source : fesnews media

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