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Rabat – The Moroccan Ministry of the Interior has launched a call for bids for the renovation of the historic Meknes Medina. The restoration project, part of the wider initiative to renovate ancient medinas in many Moroccan cities, aims to rehabilitate over 17 historical sites in Meknes over five years.
The works are due to be completed by 2023 and have a forecast budget of over MAD 73 Million.
The initiative, signed by King Mohammed VI on October 2018, also includes plans for renovating the ancient medinas of Sale, a city near Rabat, Tetouan, and Essaouira. The nationwide initiative has a total budget of MAD 2.35 Billion.
These funds will go towards renovating historical monuments, improving accessibility by paving and improving road surfaces, as well as building above and below-ground parking spaces. The construction of schools, cultural centers, and other amenities will also be covered by the budget.
By implementing these changes, the program seeks to attract more tourists and boost revenues for local artisans. It aims to improve the lives of Medina residents through job creation and better access to social services.
Read also: 4 Historical Sites Worth Seeing in Rabat
The program targets many of the city’s historic Babs (Gates) Foundouks (Historic Inns) and Borjs (Towers). Among the monuments targeted are Bab Lekhmis, Bab Tizimi Sghira, Bab el Kazdir, Bab Berrima, Bab Beni M’hammad, Bab Bradiine, Bab Jdid, Borj bibi Aicha, Borj Chrichira, Borj Beni M’hammed, Fondouk el Moulouiine, Fondouk Zbadi, Fondouk Soltane, Foudouk Nejjarine, Foundouk Talaba, in addition to the Medrasa Filalia and the Lalla Aouda Mosque.
The project is a collaboration between the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry for Habitat, and the Agency for the Development and Rehabilitation of the Fez Medina, ADER FEZ.
ADER FEZ is tasked with overseeing the efforts.
Part of the funding is provided by the Hassan II Development Fund. Previously, ADER FEZ was responsible for the renovation of 23 historical sites in the Fez Medina.
The Agency worked on restoring the Al Batha Museum, one of the city’s most important landmarks, as well as the Lalla Yaddouna square. It is currently overseeing the construction of two new museums.
