Rabat – The reconstruction and rehabilitation of homes damaged by the Al Haouz earthquake has reached an unprecedented pace, with strong coordination among local authorities and stakeholders.
Since February 2024, the program has rebuilt or restored around 2,620 homes, achieving a reported 85% completion rate.
Local officials project this figure will rise to 90% by the end of September and 96% within two months.
In Bab Doukkala, the historic core of Marrakech’s medina, most residents have already returned to their restored homes. The rebuilt houses respect authentic Moroccan architecture while meeting anti-seismic standards, allowing life to return to normal in this well-known tourist district.
Financial assistance has eased the recovery process. Affected families received a monthly allocation of MAD 2,500 ($250) for temporary housing, in addition to one-time grants of MAD 80,000 ($8,000) or MAD 140,000 ($14,000) for reconstruction, depending on the damage.
Residents expressed deep relief and gratitude. Artisans and shopkeepers in the medina’s Foundouks, who suffered partial damage such as cracks, also reported satisfaction with the progress of repairs.
Authorities report that only 4% of affected households have not begun reconstruction, mostly due to inheritance disputes or technical challenges.
Legal procedures have been initiated after authorities informed and reminded the families to start repairs, as other beneficiaries have done.
The overall results show the complex efforts of the steering and monitoring committee, which oversaw population surveys, the clearing of debris from over 2,300 collapsed homes, and the issuance of construction permits.
Contrary to official figures, some Moroccans continue to voice frustration over the pace of reconstruction.
Several victims of the devastating Al Haouz earthquake remain without proper homes or shelters, struggling to rebuild their lives. Residents in certain neighborhoods report delays, unresolved technical issues, and bureaucratic hurdles that leave them in precarious conditions.
In response, other Moroccans have occasionally held demonstrations in solidarity with the victims, drawing attention to those still left without housing and urging authorities to accelerate relief efforts.
This means that, despite reported progress, the recovery effort has yet to reach every affected family.
