2024-07-17 12:56:28
A side event was organized in this sense by the Ministry of National Land Planning, Urban Planning, Housing and Urban Policy, during which the keys to the success of Moroccan policy in terms of social housing were presented, with particular emphasis on the role of the private sector and public-private partnership (PPP).
The intervention of the Moroccan State for access to housing has evolved gradually while adapting to the specific contexts of each period, moving from the policy of allocating equipped lots, drawing on State land, to the massive construction of social housing initiated by State establishments, said Ms. Hind Benzha, Director of Real Estate Promotion within the ministry.
However, the national policy in this area experienced its real transition from the 2010s, when the baton was given to the private sector to participate in the construction of social housing within the framework of PPPs, stressed Ms. Benzha, indicating that private sector actors were heavily involved in the process by producing social housing on their own land with their own means.
In return, the State grants all tax exemptions and administrative facilities to meet this challenge, she noted, explaining that this system was accompanied by the multiplication of State efforts to combat all forms of unsanitary housing.
Thanks to these incentives aimed at involving the private sector, Morocco has been able to build nearly 600,000 units in 10 years and, thus, reduce the housing deficit by more than 70% since 2002, when the deficit reached 1.2 million units.
On the land front, she cited the mobilization of more than 8,800 ha and the creation of new towns, as well as new urban centers, adding that efforts have been made on the financial front with the creation of a Mortgage Fund aimed at guaranteeing the credits of the beneficiaries.
The housing problem has been addressed by Morocco using a dual approach of resolution/prevention, she stressed.
The various interventions of the State to strengthen access to housing have made it possible to improve the living conditions of around 2 million people living in unsanitary housing, she welcomed, adding that they have enabled the improvement of access to basic services, security and mobility in more than 760 neighborhoods and 696 rural centers, in addition to improving the attractiveness of more than 96 cities.
Furthermore, Ms. Benzha stressed that the world is currently facing new challenges, such as climate, pandemic and economic crises, noting that a readjustment of the approach is necessary in the face of these new data.
In this sense, Morocco launched a national dialogue on urban planning and housing, which gave voice to all those concerned and stakeholders, she said, noting that this dialogue made it possible to draw up a new common and consensual roadmap, with the aim of ensuring decent housing for all.
The new vision of the sector tends towards an integrated living environment model, she indicated, explaining that the new logic is oriented more towards direct financial aid targeted to eligible households.
In this regard, she stressed that demographic and social developments are giving rise to new needs, which requires extending aid to new social groups, particularly the middle class weakened by inflation and the effects of crises.
It also involves consolidating the role of the territories and the State’s role in promoting development, through regional housing plans, as well as breaking down barriers between programmes by ensuring adaptation to the economic and social context by strengthening household capacities.
Chaired by the Secretary-General of the Department of Housing and Urban Policy, Youssef Hosni, the side-event was marked by the presence and participation of several officials and stakeholders, including in particular the Deputy Executive Director of UN-Habitat Mr. Michal Mlynar.
Held under the theme “A sustainable urban future through inclusive and effective multilateralism: achieving the SDGs in times of global crisis”, this 2nd session of the UN-Habitat Assembly brings together nearly 5,000 participants, including more than 30 ministers, in addition to senior global officials and experts, to discuss global urban policies and promote inclusive and transformative multilateralism.
The five-day programme includes a high-level dialogue of heads of state, thematic debates and dialogues focusing on universal access to affordable housing, urban climate action, recovery from urban crises, localization of the SDGs, prosperity and local finance.
More than 30 side events will showcase innovative approaches and transformative actions related to the field of habitat, while an exhibition area allows more than 50 exhibitors to present best practices in the field of habitat and sustainability, urban projects and cutting-edge solutions to address the challenges of housing, transport, energy and climate change.
Morocco is represented at this event by a large delegation led by Mr. Youssef Hosni and composed in particular of the Secretary General of the National Housing Council Mohamed Hardouza, the Director of Urban Planning Badria Benjelloun, the Director of Real Estate Promotion Hind Benzha and the Director of Communication, Cooperation and Information Systems Badiaa Gueroui.
The Moroccan delegation also includes the head of department within the Housing Department Amal Lamssitef, the director of the Agadir Urban Agency Amine Belkacemi, as well as the head of the United Nations Development System division within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccans Abroad Anas Alami Hamedane.
2024-07-17 12:56:28