During the last ten years, Oued Eddahab Lagouira, Laayoune - Boujdour – Seguia El Hamra and Guelmim – Smara regions "exceeded part of the delay registered during the colonial era." In this context, the weekly stated that the rate of access to safe drinking water, which was 15 percent in 1995, is exceeding 80 percent today, pointing out that, since the launch by His Majesty the King of the National Initiative for Human Development in May 2005, the fight against unemployment was a main project in the three key southern regions of Morocco.
"Jeune Afrique" highlighted, on the other hand, that the south of Morocco, which has hundreds of kilometers of beaches, has important tourist regions that these provinces intend to properly rehabilitate, noting that the Guelmim - Smara province are invited to play "key role in the development of tourism" in the region.
It said that two important tourist stations in the region will emerge on the coast of this province, noting in this context that the " White Beach" which was chosen among seven sites in the framework of the "Azur Plan", can receive up to 26 thousand beds, and the other achievement will be made on Oued Chbika over an area of 1600 hectares.
The weekly said the city of Laayoune, which had simple buildings, has today wide straight roads, lit squares, major hotels, many of the great mosques and royal residence, adding that since the departure of the Spanish, the city "has been evolving very rapidly, mainly thanks to state subsidies." With regard to the city of Boujdour, "Jeune Afrique" highlighted that "there are a number of projects for the rehabilitation of the coast road and its vast shores," and that the city will have hotels, secondary residences, and many restaurants.
The weekly said that Dakhla, oriented towards fishing, where infrastructure projects are available, sees the development of vegetable crops in covered houses, and that the city receives for years surfing enthusiasts from around the world to practice special sports and spend winter months in warm climate.
Having noted that the major works, " do not only concern urban areas," the weekly reported that the Agency for the rehabilitation and Economic and Social Development of the Southern Regions copes with, on the Atlantic facade of the Sahara, the "great start" of fishing by financing and building 10 poles of development. It added that "the infrastructure of ports, social facilities, housing and fishing development is expected to mobilize a billion of public investment."
The Agency General Director Mr. Ahmed Haji said that about 140 projects have been completed or are in the process of completion at a total cost of three MAD billion.
He pointed out that "in addition to classic infrastructure, we get down to highlight second generation of projects focused on human development, employment and support to private initiative, training and support to civil society and elected people."
The Agency will pay special attention to the promotion of Hassani culture and the preservation of the environment, particularly via the rescue and rehabilitation programme of oases, which is done in partnership with the United Nations Development Program.