فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Since its launch in 2005, the National Initiative for Human Development (INDH) has seen the implementation of a total of 2,483 projects in the prefecture of Meknes, with total investments nearing 1.3 billion dirhams. These figures were presented on Monday, May 20, during a communication meeting held to mark the 20th anniversary of the initiative.
According to data presented by the head of the Social Action Department at the Meknes Prefecture, the initiative contributed approximately 63% of the overall financial envelope. The interventions spanned the initiative’s four core programs and targeted key sectors including health, education, economic inclusion, infrastructure, and support for vulnerable populations.
Significant Investments in Health and Education — But Questions Remain on Impact
In the health sector, 164 projects were implemented at a cost of 106 million dirhams, focused on equipping health centers, acquiring ambulances, establishing maternity homes, and organizing medical caravans. These efforts were generally welcomed, especially in rural areas, though challenges remain regarding service continuity and quality — particularly in remote regions where healthcare infrastructure still falls short of expectations.
The education sector accounted for 553 interventions, with an investment of over 399 million dirhams, focused on school transportation support, expansion of boarding schools, and improvement of educational facilities. However, some local stakeholders pointed out that investment in infrastructure alone is insufficient without effective monitoring of its impact on school dropout rates and educational quality, especially in rural communities.
Economic Inclusion and Empowerment — Ambitious Goals Amid Concerns on Effectiveness
Under the economic inclusion axis, 771 projects were implemented with a total budget of approximately 184 million dirhams. These included income-generating activities and support for youth entrepreneurial ideas. While the progress is notable, concerns persist regarding the accessibility of the support system and the limited post-launch accompaniment of projects, especially for young people from disadvantaged neighborhoods or rural villages.
In terms of training and empowerment, 94 multi-purpose centers for women and youth were established. Local officials hailed this as a major step forward in enhancing individual skills. However, some centers face operational challenges related to staffing and sustainable funding.
The communication meeting also included a review of the initiative’s work in other areas, such as infrastructure (335 projects), support for people in vulnerable situations (218 projects costing 137.5 million dirhams), and support for cultural and religious facilities (46 projects with a budget of 42 million dirhams).
In his speech on the occasion, Meknes Prefect Abdelghani Sebbar emphasized that the initiative has been a strategic undertaking that improved Morocco’s standing in human development indicators. He praised the cumulative achievements of the initiative over 20 years and its role in reducing spatial and social disparities.
Yet this celebration, while aimed at highlighting progress, also served as an opportunity to raise questions about the sustainability of the projects and the mechanisms for tracking their real impact on citizens’ lives, particularly in the city’s outskirts and in municipalities that still suffer from deep structural fragility.
The Motto “20 Years in the Service of Human Development” — A Call to Renew the Vision
The 20th anniversary commemoration, held under the slogan “20 Years in the Service of Human Development,” included events such as a local product fair and renewed emphasis on the importance of human capital as a pillar of sustainable development. However, local observers agree on the need to shift from counting projects to focusing on the quality of impact and the effectiveness of targeting — to ensure broader and fairer benefits for all.
Source: Fes News Media
