Royal Activities
Friday 20 March 2015

HM the King launches in Casablanca several projects under second phase of old medina restoration program

HM the King launches in Casablanca several projects under second phase of old medina restoration program

HM King Mohammed VI launched, on Friday in Casablanca, several projects as part of the second phase of the old medina restoration program for an amount of 300 million dirhams.

The sovereign launched construction of two handicraft areas, rehabilitation of Ettedghi synagogue, "Sidi Allal El Karouani" Mausoleum, "Dar Al Ittihad" (Union House) upgrading, and building of "July 9" health center reconstruction.

These projects are designed to meet the inhabitants' legitimate cultural, social, economic and urban development expectations and to improve the populations' living conditions, refurbish buildings, and safeguard the metropolis' historical and cultural heritage, as well as promote the craft industry and upgrade access to basic services.

Totaling 10.25 million dirhams, the two handicraft areas "Dar Annassij" (weaving house) and "L'espace de l'Artisan" (craftsman area) will contribute to preserving some declining craft trades, promoting local handicraft products and reinforcing the sector's organization.

The two projects will also provide, for the region's youth, vocational training adapted to the socio-economic reality of the craft industry mainly through apprenticeship training and integration in the job market. 

The restoration projects of "Ettedghi" synagogue and "Sidi Allal El Karouani" Mausoleum, worth 3.5 million dirhams, seek to preserve the religious identity of the old medina and safeguard the Kingdom's cultural diversity. The "Dar Al Ittihad" upgrading project (13 mln MAD) is aimed at reinforcing facilities offering cultural and artistic activities in the city.

As for the "July 9" health center reconstruction project, it will foster health care services in the old medina by offering medical checkups for patients with chronic diseases (diabetes, high blood pressure) and will host awareness raising and prevention campaigns. The center (9.5 mln MAD) will include wards for general practice, maternal and pediatrics care, dentistry, ophthalmology and kidney diseases diagnosis.

Several other actions are planned under the second phase of the old medina restoration program, notably rehousing occupants of run-down houses, reinforcing the electricity grid, renovating buildings' facades, building new community facilities (youth houses, women club, socio-sports center), upgrading three elementary schools and building a complex for cultural and artistic activities.

The program also includes the revamping of four popular traditional restaurants, the upgrading of commercial areas, and the creation of a tourism information stall, a center for heritage promotion and a guest house.

 

These projects are in line with the 2015-2020 royal plan for Casablanca metropolis development which aspires to gather the conditions for harmonious and sustainable development.

MAP 20 March 2015