The Sovereign was also given details on the 262 socio-economic projects carried out over 2005-2009 for a total cost of some 98.5 million dirhams, benefiting 102,586 people in the province of Jerada.

    These projects aim to fight poverty in rural areas notably through promoting revenue-generating activities, improving access to basic services, boosting people's participation in socio-cultural and sports activities, and reinforcing good governance at the local level, in addition to setting up and upgrading host centers.

    HM the King was also briefed on 33 projects scheduled for 2010 to be completed for a total cost of about 11 million dirhams within the framework of Morocco's large-scale anti-poverty programme INDH.

    On the same occasion, HM the King inaugurated a mixed students' residence worth 2.15 million dirhams designed to reduce girls' school drop-out in rural areas.

    The new facility includes two dormitories, a reading hall, a refectory, a Kitchen, a changing room and an administrative building.

    The Monarch also offered 1.1 million-dirham equipment for associations carrying out revenue-generating activities in the region. This equipment relates to computing, apiculture, cake making and construction.

    The Sovereign also visited an exhibition featuring the products of local cooperatives which have benefited from the National Initiative for Human Development.

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Jerada - HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated on Thursday in the eastern city of Jerada an artisans' village, worth 16.33 million dirhams ($ 1.8 mln).
    This new facility was set up as part of efforts aiming to promote the craft industry in the province of Jerada and its integration into the economic fabric.

    Built on an area of 4560 sq, the village is meant to improve working conditions for artisans, develop their income and preserve certain endangered crafts.

    Benefiting more than 275 artisans from the region, the facility includes, among others, 34 stores, four workshops, six classrooms, an exhibition hall and a cafeteria.

    The village was funded by the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, the Agency for the Promotion and Social and Economic Development of the Oriental, and the Secretariat of State in charge of Handicrafts. It will host craftsmen specialized in leather, carpentry, pottery, ironwork and traditional sewing.

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HM King Mohammed VI Inaugurates Bus Station in Jerada
Jerada - HM King Mohammed VI inaugurated on Thursday in the eastern city of Jerada a new bus station for a total cost of 7.18 million dirhams (about $ 790k).