At this meeting, chaired by the Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftit, in the presence of ministers and other representatives of relevant departments and public bodies and elected representatives, the speakers welcomed the rate of achievement and progress projects, studies and calls for tender for the projects included in this flagship program launched by HM King Mohammed VI in Laayoune on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the Green March.

In this sense, Laftit pointed out that the actual start-up rate for projects under the new development model for the southern provinces exceeded 40 pc for the three regions in the south and 50 pc for the Laâyoune region -Sakia-El Hamra.

According to the minister, this pace of execution is proof that "the process of economic and social integration of our southern provinces is irreversible".

Meanwhile, Aziz Akhannouch, Minister of Agriculture, Maritime Fishing, Rural Development and Forestry, said that the implementation of the agricultural projects initiated under this new model at the level of region '' is on the right track '' and is progressing 'at a positive pace' '.

In this sense, he pointed out that the agricultural projects selected under this program are diversified and relate to structuring projects as well as solidarity farming (rural roads, water points, water tanks ...).

It is also, he explained, the creation of factories for the benefit of local cooperatives to help them value and develop their products.

The minister also highlighted the project of realization of a hydro-agricultural development in Jraifia (1000 Ha), south of Boujdour, welcoming the settlement of the land situation related to this project.

He also referred to some projects related to the maritime fishing sector in Boujdour, including the construction of an industrial zone and three sardine meal factories.

Minister of Equipment, Transport, Logistics and Water, Abdelkader Amara, highlighted the scope of projects under the new development model of the southern provinces.

Mr Amara referred in this connection to the structuring project for the strengthening and widening of the national road N1 in the southern provinces, noting that "all the sections of this road at the level of the region of Laâyoune-Sakia El Hamra will be in the process of being realized in 2018 '', highlighting the impact of one project on the development of the three southern regions.

Health Minister El Houssein El Ouardi said that the regional development program focused on 10 projects in the health sector, with total investment of 1.584 billion MAD, noting that four projects have already been completed and operational, while four other projects are in progress (advanced phase).

The other two projects concern the construction of a provincial hospital in Tarfaya (70 beds) with an investment of 78 million MAS and a university hospital center in Laayoune (500 beds at an estimated cost of 1.2 billion MAD), he noted.

The minister also focused on developments in the health sector in the region, noting that the sector will be further strengthened in terms of human resources and advanced equipment.

The Director General of the National Office of Electricity and Drinking Water (ONEE), Ali Fassi Fihri, highlighted the commitment and constant action of the ONEE in favor of the implementation of royal strategies in the areas of energy and water, noting that these strategies are recognized on a global scale and are source of pride for the Kingdom.

He also mentioned the partnership and co-ordination relations between the Office and the elected councils in order to improve the living conditions of the populations through important and ambitious projects in water and electricity.

Regarding the projects of the new model of development of the southern provinces, the Director General of the ONEE highlighted the importance of the project of connection of the city of Dakhla to the European electricity network via the city of Laayoune.

The president of the Moroccan Agency for Solar Energy, Mustapha Bakkoury, said that the realization of the projects initiated in the field of renewable energies at the level of the region of Laäyoune-Sakia-El Hamra in better conditions, whether it is wind parks or solar energy. "

These projects are aimed, among other things, at ensuring the satisfaction of current needs and helping to improve the attractiveness of the region for investments and strengthen local economic momentum, he said.

And to specify that the work of realization of the two projects of development of solar energy in Laayoune and Boujdour will be completed in 2018.

The President of the region of Laayoune-Sakia El Hamra and Corcas member, Sidi Hamdi Ouled Errachid, expressed his satisfaction with the state of progress of regional development projects, highlighting all interest by the population of the region to the new development model of the southern provinces.

He also welcomed the synergy of coordination and collaboration among the various partners in this program with the aim of implementing the various projects selected within the deadlines set.

-News on the issue of Western Sahara / Corcas-