This visit was an opportunity for the Minister to see first-hand the progress of the work, to learn about the various human resources and logistical equipment mobilized, and to inquire about the results of the interventions in terms of reopening and widening of roads, in accordance with the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI concerning the mobilization of all resources, with the necessary speed and efficiency, to help the affected populations.
Thus, Mr. Baraka visited the various intervention points of the ministry’s teams at the sections of the National Road N7 affected by the earthquake.
In Ijoukak, explanations were provided to the minister on the progress of the road widening and reinforcement works, before going to the communes of Talat N’Yaaqoub and Ighil, the epicenter of the earthquake, to take a closer look at the enormous efforts deployed in this area.
In a statement to the press at the end of this visit, Mr. Baraka indicated that the ministry, in execution of the High Instructions of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, intervened in coordination with the Ministry of the Interior, the Royal Armed Forces and public authorities, from the first moments following the earthquake, in order to ensure the opening up of the affected areas and to come to the aid and lend a helping hand to the disaster-stricken populations.
He added that 460 km of classified roads and 470 km of rural roads have been reopened, noting that in just three days, about 92% of roads have been reopened, which has considerably facilitated the interventions of rescue and relief teams, health units as well as the delivery of aid to the affected populations.
The ministry, he added, has ensured the opening up of the rural population at a rate of 92%, while the works of opening up and reopening the rest of the roads will be completed in the next three days.
Mr. Baraka also noted that his Department is working on a proactive approach to ensure the widening of roads, especially as winter and the snow season are approaching, considering it essential to act so that the roads remain open and are no longer cut off.
On another note, Mr. Baraka affirmed that the dams, built in strict compliance with international standards, were not damaged by the earthquake, reporting, however, damage to canals and certain bodies of water, which were rebuilt in close coordination with the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water.
And to continue that enormous works have also been carried out in order to ensure the supply of drinking water to the affected population, in cooperation with the Ministry of the Interior via the mobilization of tanker trucks, as well as through the realization of exploratory drilling to ensure the supply of this vital commodity.
The next action plan should focus on strengthening roads and basic infrastructure, as well as promoting socio-economic development in earthquake-affected areas, he concluded.
2024-08-17 07:41:57