The development of the 2016-2021 joint urban action plan for the Ismaili capital was the focus of a communication meeting held on Tuesday in Meknes.

During this meeting, speakers reviewed the various scenarios and the multiple measures to be taken to implement an ambitious action programme capable of lifting the city out of its lethargy, restoring its former lustre, and reviving the local socio-economic and cultural dynamic.

Speaking on this occasion, the President of the Meknes Municipal Council, Abdellah Bouanou, highlighted the importance of this initiative, which brings together heads of external services to examine the complementarity and convergence of the various ministerial delegation projects with those of the urban commune in order to better serve the general interest and satisfy the needs and requests of the population.

The future action plan should encompass measures to strengthen basic infrastructure, good governance, and all aspects of sustainable development, whether socio-economic, cultural, or sporting, he continued, noting that this draft plan is inspired by the integrated and inclusive development plan of Greater Meknes, conceived as a pillar of local development.

In this context, Abdellah Bouanou insisted on collaboration and partnership with all parties concerned to set up and initiate projects in various fields of activity to encourage external investment and improve the living conditions of the local population.

The President of the Municipal Council also highlighted the rich and diverse tourist assets of the city of Meknes, stressing the need to upgrade the Lahdim square in order to establish it as a destination of choice and a prime space for entertainment, similar to the famous Jemaa El-Fna square in Marrakech.

He also called on the relevant services to share their proposals and ideas with the urban commune to contribute to the development of an ambitious action plan capable of meeting the city's socio-economic development challenges.

Other speakers advocated for the upgrading of old fondouks to revive tourist activity, while also stressing the imperative of consolidating local sports infrastructure and improving the city's social services.

They also pleaded for the establishment of permanent spaces for the marketing of handicraft items and local products such as olive oils and others.