Rabat – Moroccan officials from several departments are in a race against the clock to finish a report about the causes of the delay of the “Al Hoceima Manarat Al Moutawasit” development projects.
The report was ordered by King Mohammed VI during a meeting of the Council of Ministers on June 25.
Jeune Afrique’s online edition said that the two inspection bodies of the Ministries of Interior and Finance, in addition to high commissioners from other departments, are in a frantic race to submit the report ordered by the monarch before the Throne Day on July 30.
During the Council of Ministers meeting, King Mohammed VI expressed his disappointment at the delay of projects in the region of Al Hoceima, where protests continue for the ninth consecutive months.
The King’s disappointment was highlighted by his decision to cancel vacations of several ministers until “further notice to ensure follow-up of the projects concerned.”
The situation in Al Hoceima remained tense as protests continue to demand the release of detained activists and meet the social and economic demands of local residents, which include expanding job opportunities, improving infrastructures, and building hospitals and higher education facilities.
Launched in October 2015, a year before protests began in Al Hoceima following the death of local fish vender Mouhcine Fikri, the five-year development mega-project “Al Hoceima Manarat Al Motawasit” promised to build infrastructure, promote tourism, and provide the region with health, sports, and cultural facilities.
The protests put the government under pressure to speed up the projects’ realization. The King’s disappointment at their delay might expose several officials to sanctions, said Jeune Afrique.
