Morocco Steps Up Rural Mosque Rehabilitation Efforts, Minister Says

Agadir – The Minister of Endowments and Islamic Affairs Ahmed Toufiq, presented to the House of Councillors on Tuesday the recorded progress in the rehabilitation of mosques located in rural areas. 

The minister explained that the government has been working steadily to restore and reopen mosques that were previously closed due to structural risks or administrative issues. He emphasized that in rural communities, mosques play a dual role as centers of worship and key social spaces, making their rehabilitation a priority.

Out of 3,120 mosques that had been shut down nationwide, 2,038 have now been regularized as part of the rehabilitation program. Among them, 1,470 mosques have been fully renovated and reopened to worshippers, following investments totaling approximately MAD 1.9 billion ($190 million).

Toufiq added that renovation work is currently in progress at 568 additional mosques, with allocated funding of about MAD 849 million. These projects focus on reinforcing buildings, enhancing safety measures, and upgrading facilities to meet required standards of durability and accessibility.

As for the remaining 1,082 mosques yet to be addressed, the minister said preparations are ongoing to secure the necessary funding. The estimated cost for rehabilitating these sites stands at around MAD 1.2 billion, with implementation planned for the coming years.

The minister stressed that rural mosques receive the same level of attention as those in urban areas, in line with the government’s efforts to reduce regional disparities and ensure equitable access to safe and dignified places of worship across the country.

Statistics show that rural mosques account for nearly 72% of Morocco’s total mosques, underscoring the scale and importance of the program. Each year, the ministry allocates roughly MAD 296 million to rural mosque rehabilitation, representing about 41% of its total investment budget dedicated to religious development projects.