HM the King chairs launch of MAD 18-bln urban projects in Rabat
PERSISMA, Rabat – His Majesty King Mohammed VI launched on Monday the construction works of several projects aimed to reinforce the urban development of the nation’s capital for an amount of 18 billion dirhams.
The Sovereign launched the 2014-2018 integrated development program of the city of Rabat, dubbed “Rabat City of Lights, Moroccan Capital of Culture”, as well as the projects of “Wessal Bouregreg” and the Grand Theatre of Rabat.
At the beginning of the ceremony, the Wali of the region of Rabat -Salé- Zemmour-Zaer, governor of the prefecture of Rabat, Abdelouafi Laftit gave a presentation before HM the King in which he said the “Rabat City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture” program (9.425 billion dirhams) was prepared in accordance with the high royal guidelines which aim to develop the urban fabric of different cities of the Kingdom in a coherent and balanced vision.
This five-year program, which will allow the nation’s capital to measure up to the world’s major cities, revolves around seven main areas, namely the promotion of the cultural heritage of the city, the preservation of green spaces and the environment, improving access to local social services, strengthening governance, the revitalization of the urban fabric, boosting economic activity, and strengthening road infrastructure, he said.
Director General of the Moroccan Tourism Development Fund, Tarik Senhaji, said an innovative project called “Wessal Bouregreg” will be carried out in parallel with the 2014 -2018 integrated development program of the city of Rabat.
This major project (8.7 billion dirhams), which will bolster the economic, social and cultural standing of the city, aims to breathe a new socio-economic impetus in the region, expand the city’s tourism appeal, and create jobs.
It includes the construction of Rabat Grand Theater (2,000 seats), an Archaeological and Geological national museum, several cultural centers, a residential compound, hotels, commercial and recreational centers, green spaces, in addition to a Marina.
Director of the Agency for the Development of the Bouregreg Valley, Lamghari Essakl said the “Rabat City of Lights, Moroccan Capital of Culture” flagship program will be reinforced by the construction of Rabat Grand Theater which will help to strengthen the cultural infrastructure of the capital of the Kingdom, and will be a masterpiece combining tradition and modernity.
Essakel also stressed that the actions planned under the first phase of the Bouregreg valley development project have been completed, noting that these works, which included upgrading the site, the recovery and restoration of the historic heritage, the construction of new road infrastructure to ensure greater flow of traffic, and the development of several public spaces, have improved the image of the region as a coveted destination.
On this occasion, HM the King chaired the signing of seven agreements on the implementation of the various projects undertaken.
The ceremony was attended by the head of government, Advisors to HM the King, members of the government, representatives of the business community of the city of Rabat, representatives of local authorities, and elected officials.
Source: MAP
