These projects, which will benefit the poorest rural communes, namely Sidi Daoud, Laajajra, El Ouadin, Meks, and Sebt Oudaya, were approved on Tuesday during a meeting of the Provincial Committee for Human Development, chaired by the governor of the Moulay Yaâcoub province, Mr Mohamed Anis.

Falling within the framework of the programme to combat poverty in rural areas, the horizontal programme, and the convergence plan for INDH operations and those of government departments, these projects aim in particular to strengthen access to basic social services and create income-generating activities.

Regarding the programme to combat poverty in rural areas and the horizontal programme, the selected projects focus on the opening and development of tracks in rural areas and the construction of canteens and sanitary facilities in schools.

Within the framework of the convergence of INDH operations and those of government departments in the targeted rural communes, 47 projects with an investment of more than 21.35 million dirhams were examined during this meeting.

These projects, carried out through partnerships between the INDH, the beneficiary rural communes, the National Office of Electricity, the National Mutual Aid, the Office of Vocational Training and Employment Promotion (OFPPT), and the Ministry of Health, concern the connection of several Douars to the electricity grid, agricultural training, the development of a children's garden, the equipping of a multidisciplinary centre for women in difficult situations, as well as two student houses and the construction and equipping of a health centre.

Speaking on this occasion, the provincial governor recalled that the Provincial Committee for Human Development ensured, during the evaluation of the projects, that a number of criteria were met to ensure the success of this endeavour.

Highlighting the positive impact of the projects carried out since the inception of the INDH, Mohamed Anis stressed the need to redouble efforts to allow for a convergence of INDH operations and those of government departments.

He also called on project leaders to demonstrate innovation and creativity, noting the need for the involvement of local authorities to ensure the support and monitoring of the programmes launched within the framework of the INDH.

In 2007, some 32 projects benefiting more than 26,000 people were launched, to which funds of 17.45 million dirhams were allocated, including 4.8 million dirhams reserved for the implementation of 14 projects within the framework of the programme to combat poverty in rural areas, and 1.32 million dirhams intended for the implementation of a project included in the regional project to combat marginalisation.

During the same year, 17 projects falling within the framework of the transversal programme were carried out with investments of around 11.31 million dirhams.