MOROCCO STEAMS AHEAD WITH INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS

MAP News Agency has recorded some interesting developments in Morocco this month while King Mohammed VI has launched several new initiatives to improve the infrastructure of northern Morocco. 

The King has had the pleasure of laying the first stone for the USD 4 million Hotel and Tourism Institute, which will provide training in many disciplines of the hotel and catering industry.  The Institute is due to open for the academic year of 2006 to 2007 and is expected to have a positive knock-on effect on tourism and property investment in the area. 

The northern town of Al Hoceima has received quite some attention, with the King having launched the construction of a new railway station at the port.  This USD 2 million project is intended to facilitate the movement of thousands of Moroccans who arrive from abroad, as well as improve facilities for the fishing industry.  Handling some 15,000 tons per year, Al Hoceima is already the third largest port in Morocco and looks set to see improvements to help provide the region with the modern infrastructure and growth potential it needs.

Several new socio-economic initiatives to protect the environment in Al Hoceima and development projects to provide the rural population with drinking water, electricity and liquid waste treatment have also been approved, amounting to a cost of USD 74 million.

In addition, the King has inaugurated a USD 7.8 million two-lane road to cover the 7km stretch from Al Hoceima to Ajdir, an area that in recent years has seen some 15,000 cars per day.

For property investors these improvements are a good vote of confidence and Morocco seems set on an upward trend with a solid and improved infrastructure well on its way.  The changes echo the King’s intent on increasing the country’s appeal to both tourists and property investors alike, making it a prime location for investors looking to get a foot onto the ladder of a promising new market.