These projects aim to strengthen port and road infrastructure, hydraulic developments, the rehabilitation of the drinking water network and the electricity network, as well as the health and sports sectors.
Thus, in the commune of El Ouateya, the wali of the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, Mohamed Najem Abhay, accompanied by a delegation which included in particular the president of the council of the region, Mbarka Bouaida and the governor of the province of Tan -Tan, launched the rehabilitation work on the port of Tan-Tan as part of the partnership agreement between the National Ports Agency and the region of Guelmim-Oued Noun.
This project of 128 million dirhams (MDH) concerns in particular the rehabilitation of the sanitation network (21.9 MDH), the electricity network (5 MDH) and the roads (8 MDH), as well as the construction of the factory desalination of brackish water (47.7 million dirhams) and a solar energy production station (11.5 million dirhams).
The wali and the delegation accompanying him were also informed of the projects planned as part of the urban rehabilitation program of El Ouateya (120 MDH), and which relates in particular to the strengthening of public facilities and road infrastructure (42 MDH). ).
In the town of Tan-Tan, several development projects have also been launched, including the beautification of the facades of avenues and main streets, as part of a program contract between the State and the region of Guelmim-Oued Noun (29.85 MDH) and the construction of five local plots (6.7 MDH).
This is also the wastewater reuse project for a budget of 12.1 million dirhams. As part of the national drinking water supply and irrigation program 2020-2027, the “Khank Massoud” dam (one million dirhams, financed by the regional council), with a capacity of 1 million m³ was inaugurated on this occasion and construction work on the “Ouin Madkour” dam was launched at a cost of 16 million dirhams, as well as the road construction project linking Lamssid and Abtih, over a length of 75 km (56 MDH).
On this same occasion, explanations were provided to the delegation on the urban rehabilitation project for the town of Tan-Tan (279.29 MDH).
The planned projects include 10 projects spread across the axes of urban rehabilitation, strengthening of infrastructure, rehabilitation of the drinking water network, liquid sanitation and public facilities.
The delegation was also informed about the project to rehabilitate the emergency department of the Tan-Tan provincial hospital (20 MDH), and visited the expansion site of the Tan-Tan blood transfusion center (5 MDH).
In a statement to MAP, Ms. Bouaida underlined the importance of projects launched or inaugurated in the province of Tan-Tan, for the strengthening of infrastructure and development of the region, specifying that these major projects benefit from a budgetary envelope important to which the regional council contributes with more than 830 MDH.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Urban Development Expert
Editor: Good afternoon, and welcome to Time.news. Today we have with us Dr. Sarah El-Hafi, an expert in urban development, who will discuss the recent infrastructure projects in the Guelmim-Oued Noun region, particularly focusing on the launch of rehabilitation work at the port of Tan-Tan. Dr. El-Hafi, thank you for joining us today.
Dr. El-Hafi: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss these important developments.
Editor: Let’s start with the significance of the port rehabilitation project. With an investment of 128 million dirhams, what are the expected outcomes for the local community?
Dr. El-Hafi: This project is a game changer for Tan-Tan and its surrounding areas. By improving the sanitation network, electricity supply, and road infrastructure, the local community will experience enhancements in health and quality of life. Particularly, the rehabilitation of the sanitation network, which accounts for nearly 22 million dirhams, is crucial for public health. Improved infrastructure will also attract businesses and potentially boost the local economy.
Editor: That’s an interesting point about the economic impact. Could you elaborate on how the desalination factory and solar energy station will fit into this picture?
Dr. El-Hafi: Absolutely. The construction of the brackish water desalination factory and the solar energy production station are vital for sustainable resource management. With water scarcity being a significant issue, the desalination plant will provide an essential water supply for drinking and irrigation. Meanwhile, the solar energy station not only supports sustainable energy goals but also reduces dependency on fossil fuels, which is increasingly important for environmental sustainability.
Editor: Can you tell us more about the urban rehabilitation program of El Ouateya? What aspects do you think will have the most significant impact on the community?
Dr. El-Hafi: The urban rehabilitation program with a budget of 120 million dirhams aims to strengthen public facilities and enhance road infrastructure. Investing 42 million dirhams specifically for public facilities indicates a commitment to improving citizens’ access to services. This includes everything from sports facilities to healthcare services, which are critical to community well-being. Improved roads and beautification of public spaces will enhance livability and can foster a greater sense of community pride.
Editor: It sounds like there’s a comprehensive approach being taken here. In your opinion, what challenges do local governments face in implementing these types of large-scale projects?
Dr. El-Hafi: One significant challenge is ensuring that projects are completed on time and within budget while meeting the needs of the community. There can often be logistical and bureaucratic hurdles. Engaging the local population in the planning phase is essential; their input can help tailor projects to actual needs and ensure community buy-in. Additionally, ongoing maintenance of these infrastructures is often overlooked, so planning for sustainable upkeep is crucial.
Editor: Engaging the community certainly seems vital. As these projects unfold, what steps do you think should be taken to keep the public informed and involved?
Dr. El-Hafi: Regular public meetings, transparent updates through local media, and active social media engagement can keep residents informed. Setting up feedback mechanisms, where community members can voice concerns and suggestions, is also important. This participatory approach not only builds trust but also empowers residents by making them stakeholders in their community’s development.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. El-Hafi, for sharing your insights today. It’s clear that the developments in Guelmim-Oued Noun hold promise for both the local economy and community well-being.
Dr. El-Hafi: Thank you for having me! I’m looking forward to seeing how these projects transform the region in the years to come.
Editor: We appreciate your expertise, and we’ll certainly keep an eye on the progress of these initiatives. Thank you to our audience for tuning in, and we’ll see you next time on Time.news.