20 Years After the Launch of the National Initiative… Taza Assesses Achievements and Faces Gaps in Distribution and Effectiveness

Since the launch of the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) in 2005, the Taza Provincial Authority has implemented over 1,950 development projects, with a total budget exceeding 1.35 billion dirhams. The initiative itself contributed more than 1 billion dirhams, according to official data presented during a meeting held earlier this week to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the initiative.

The meeting was attended by the Governor of Taza Province, Mostafa El Maazouz, along with a number of elected officials, heads of external departments, representatives of local authorities, and civil society actors. The event featured a presentation of the results of the initiative’s three phases, along with documentaries and field testimonies illustrating the impact of completed projects on the beneficiary populations.

Results Across Three Phases

During the first phase (2005–2010), 338 projects were completed at a cost of 167 million dirhams. These included programs to combat rural poverty (96 projects), urban exclusion (23 projects), and social vulnerability (37 projects), in addition to 182 projects under the cross-cutting program.

The second phase (2010–2018) saw broader territorial coverage, with 828 projects completed for a total investment of over 822 million dirhams. These included rural poverty reduction (270 projects), urban exclusion (128 projects), vulnerability (61 projects), and cross-cutting initiatives (369 projects). This phase also involved territorial upgrading projects focused on infrastructure, including roads, water, electricity, education, and healthcare.

In the third phase (2019–2024), 784 projects were implemented with a financial envelope of 365 million dirhams. This phase focused on human capital development, youth economic integration, and addressing basic infrastructure gaps by supporting school transportation, expanding boarding schools, and launching projects for people in vulnerable situations.

Gaps and Challenges Despite Progress

Despite the positive results in terms of quantity and investment, several field challenges remain — particularly regarding the effectiveness and sustainability of some projects, especially in terms of maintenance and follow-up after implementation. These issues raise local concerns about the long-term social impact of the initiatives.

Observers also noted disparities in the geographical distribution of projects, with not all rural communes benefiting equally. This has led to calls for clearer territorial equity in future project planning, particularly in remote areas that continue to suffer from a lack of basic infrastructure and services, despite ongoing efforts.

With regard to youth integration, although 330 projects were implemented for their benefit during the third phase, some young people still face challenges accessing the job market or effectively benefiting from support and financing programs. This highlights the need to strengthen post-financing support and better connect projects to their surrounding economic and social environments.

Call for Interim Evaluation and Stronger Coordination

In his address, Governor Mostafa El Maazouz emphasized that the initiative has been a true driver for improving living conditions and promoting social inclusion. He called for the 20th anniversary to serve as a moment for evaluating the progress made and continuing collective efforts to implement impactful and sustainable projects.

The celebration of the initiative in Taza Province continues until May 23, with the organization of a forum for project holders and development partners, the inauguration of a Women’s Training and Empowerment Center in Tahla, and various sports and cultural activities targeting social care institutions.

Source: Fes News Media

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