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Hirak : Royal anger at the government over the delay of «Al Hoceima, Mediterranean lighthouse» project

King Mohammed VI is disappointed and dissatisfied with the delay impacting «Al Hoceima, Mediterranean lighthouse» project implementation. He, as a result, urged the government and asked the Ministries in charge to intensify their work's pace.

King Mohammed VI dissapointed over the delays of a development project in Al Hoceima./Ph. DR
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King Mohammed VI is clearly dissatisfied with the current results regarding the developmental project launched in 2015 and entitled «Al Hoceima, Mediterranean lighthouse». The King expressed his disappointment, concern and discontent during the council of ministers' meeting held on Sunday, over «the delay of the projects included in this huge development program which has a specific deadline», said the royal cabinet in a statement.

The King has given instructions that the General Inspectorate of Territorial Administration, under the supervision of the Ministry of the Interior, and the General Inspectorate of Finance, under the authority of the Ministry of Finance, should carry out the necessary investigations, with a goal to establish responsibilities within a short period of time. In addition, ministers involved in projects in Al Hoceima are not allowed to take their annual holidays this summer.

A call to order

In a call to order for the government, the sovereign enjoined the ministers concerned to present to Him only projects that are financially ready to be executed and be launched as soon as possible.

«Al Hoceima, Mediterranean lighthouse» project was launched by King Mohammed VI in October 2015 and was granted a MAD 6.515 billion budget. Since its inauguration, the execution of the project signed before the monarch has witnessed a significant delay.

The King's frustration is a disavowal of the policy followed by Benkirane's government which was not able to take advantage of the necessary financial resources to release the regional developmental project within the given deadlines.

However, who is behind the delay of such a beneficial project for the region of Al Hoceima ? El Othmani's cabinet is under pressure trying to make up for the lost time.

On Tuesday 30th of May and during the meeting held before the Chamber of Representatives, Saadeddine El Othmani said that «the government is monitoring the development of the region (Rif). Ministers visited the site to ensure progress in the implementation of the projects. These projects are strategic, the construction of a hospital does not happen overnight.»