Casablanca – Morocco has committed over $129 million to improve and maintain its road network in the northern cities over a five-year period, according to Nizar Baraka, the Minister of Equipment and Water. This extensive investment, which spans from 2019 to 2024, has focused on upgrading and expanding a significant portion of the Kingdom’s vital infrastructure.

The project covers 541 kilometers of roads across various classifications, including national, regional, and provincial routes, as well as the construction of 14 new infrastructure facilities. The minister emphasizes that these upgrades are crucial for improving road safety, connectivity, and the overall transportation network in the region.

Among the major achievements, the road maintenance program has already completed 436.1 kilometers, totaling $59.5 million in costs. Additionally, 13.3 kilometers of highways have been constructed at a cost of $26.4 million. The program for infrastructure facility maintenance has also seen the completion of 14 new structures with an investment of $22.9 million.

In addition to this, the second national program for rural roads has contributed 5.9 miles (57.5 kilometers) to the total, costing $9.5 million, while a separate initiative to repair flood damage covered 34.3 kilometers for a total of $10.6 million. The road safety program, which aims to reduce accidents and improve traffic conditions, was completed at a cost of $185,000.

Currently, new projects are being carried out along 237 kilometers of roads with an additional investment of $67 million. These projects are spread across various programs: 207.3 kilometers of road maintenance, 18.1 kilometers of highways, and the construction of 8 more infrastructure facilities. The ongoing second rural roads program is also adding another 11.5 kilometers of roads.

For 2024, plans are already in place to maintain 51 kilometers of roadways and rebuild 9 key infrastructure facilities at a cost of $27.5 million. This continued investment underscores the government’s commitment to modernizing northern Morocco’s road infrastructure.

Highlighting the strategic importance of the northern region, Baraka pointed out that the Tangier-Tetouan-Al Hoceima region boasts a paved road network totaling 1,728 kilometers, with 63.8% of the roads in good to average condition. The road network is divided into national roads (994 kilometers), regional roads (583 kilometers), and provincial roads (1,151 kilometers).

The minister attributed the progress in the region’s infrastructure to the successful execution of various road rehabilitation programs, noting that these projects have played a vital role in improving both the quality and accessibility of transportation in northern Morocco.

In the broader context, Baraka also mentioned efforts to modernize the country’s motorway system. Since 2017, the National Motorway Company has been implementing a comprehensive plan to upgrade and expand Morocco’s motorway network. This plan includes the expansion of toll stations, the opening of new rest areas, and the digitization of toll payments. To date, the pass system has been widely adopted, with more than 2.3 million users benefiting from the technology.

These initiatives form part of Morocco’s ongoing effort to improve the quality of its infrastructure and enhance economic opportunities across the country, particularly in the vital northern region.