Chaired by the governor of the province of Es-Semara, Brahim Boutoumilate, this meeting was marked by the presentation of a presentation by the Design Office responsible for developing the urbanization suitability map, focused on the objectives and stages of the study project, with the perspective of making urban areas more resilient to natural disasters.
This study, entrusted by the Urban Agency of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra, to the Study Office, and whose execution time is 18 months, is divided into four main phases, namely the collection and interpretation of data , risk characterization, and the establishment of the urbanization suitability map, as well as the development of a summary report and the organization of a popularization seminar.
Mobilizing a total budget of 2 million dirhams (MDH), this study was the subject of a multi-party agreement between the Ministry of the Interior through the Fund to Combat the Effects of Natural Disasters (1 MDH) , and the municipality of Es-Semara and the Urban Agency for a respective amount of 500,000 dirhams.
Its purpose is to produce the urbanization suitability map for the town of Es-Semara, accompanied by an explanatory note specifying the constructability, the conditions and the preventive measures against the various risks (silting, landslides). terrain, flooding and seismic risks, etc.).
In this context, four categories of zones will be determined in the urban areas subject to this study, namely risk-free zones likely to be opened to ordinary urbanization, and risk zones requiring general development provisions (stabilization slopes, soil treatment, etc.).
These also include areas requiring special measures to be taken by designers (reinforcement of structures, special constructive provisions, etc.), and non-aedificandi areas presenting non-rectifiable risks.
Speaking on this occasion, Mr. Boutoumilate, underlined the importance of this document which aims to be an effective tool to strengthen urban planning and guarantee protection against natural disasters, and therefore strengthen territorial resilience in the face of risks.
He also noted that this map is intended to be a technical and strategic document aimed at identifying areas suitable for town planning and a reference document allowing the dimension of the risk of natural disasters to be taken into consideration, in particular floods, landslides. terrain, and earthquakes during the urban planning process.
This document will also provide an integrated vision of sustainable urban development, based on scientific foundations and a comprehensive analysis of natural, social and economic data, he continued.
Furthermore, he underlined the importance of carrying out such studies which require the involvement of all local partners and stakeholders, and of combining efforts to successfully complete this project.
For his part, the director of the Urban Agency, El Mustapha El Kahlaoui highlighted the importance of this study which is part of the implementation of the National Integrated Risk Management Strategy, making observe that it makes it possible to identify in a scientific and precise manner the various natural risks which threaten the urban area, with a view to the adoption of global and preventive territorial planning, adapted to the risks.
After emphasizing that the city of Es-Semara is prey to flooding following heavy, irregular rainfall, Mr. El Kahlaoui noted that this study has great added value favoring the implementation of investment projects and urban expansion. .
This meeting was a good opportunity to debate, exchange and make proposals by several speakers on the said study, which covers the city of Es-Semara, he added.
Note that the aptitude card will be accompanied by a detailed report which indicates the different components of the card, an explanatory note and regulations around the terms of use of this card.