The recent floods were at the centre of a meeting chaired by Aziz Rabbah, in the presence of the Wali of the Doukkala-Abda region, Abdelfattah Labjioui. The purpose of this meeting was to assess the state of the road network and infrastructure damaged by the bad weather. The objective was also to define priorities for the rehabilitation of engineering structures requiring emergency intervention. It should be remembered that the province of Safi recorded, from 27 to 30 November 2014, exceptional rainfall (259.70 mm), which caused damage to the road network, including 5 engineering structures washed away by floods and 19 points of closure. Restoring the damaged infrastructure will require, according to the regional director of equipment, a budget of 56 million dirhams.

Taking the floor, Aziz Rabbah recalled first and foremost the spirit of consultation and common cooperation, which has become for the government "a true tradition aimed at involving, whenever it comes to planning or programming, local authorities and elected officials in their capacity as full partners". He subsequently addressed several points, notably those related to the creation of logistics zones in Safi, the future of the old port and the role it must play in the near future, insisting on the construction of engineering structures on the structuring axes that are likely to ensure the maintenance of traffic during bad weather.

The construction of roads in rural areas was also mentioned, proposing in this context the development of a rational programme spread over a period of 5 or 10 years. Priority will be given, according to him, to rural roads that are likely to develop the communal economy and serve as a link with other communes. The last point addressed by the minister was that of the creation of a common park that could gather logistics and machinery (machinery of the commune, equipment and other administrations). This action will have the effect of carrying out, under the auspices of the governor, outside of floods, the operations included in the annual programme. Aziz Rabbah solemnly announced that "mixed transport in rural areas and the opening of quarries are now liberalised". The first component is conditioned by the acquisition of a vehicle in good condition, that it be insured and that it allows citizens to travel in dignity and safety. Regarding quarries, the Dahir dating from 1914 has always liberalised this sector, whose authorisation remains conditioned, however, by obtaining environmental agreement.

Development of the road network

Work on the project for the widening and strengthening of regional road 204 connecting Safi and Marrakech is progressing at a good pace. A 27 km section with an investment of 45 million dirhams has already been completed (section from "Tlet Bouguedra" to the rural commune of "Jdour"). Work on the remaining section to be completed (42 km), from the commune of "Jdour" to that of "Louihate", an area bordering the network under the jurisdiction of Marrakech, will be launched immediately, the opening of bids relating to the call for tenders having taken place last Tuesday.

The renovation of this road will certainly give, once completed, a new impetus to the region and will contribute strongly to development through the driving role it will have to play in the economic and social activity of the province.