The European Union is launching a new support program for the construction and upgrading of disaster areas in Morocco one year after the disastrous earthquake that hit the country and killed around 3000 people. Spanning the period from 2024 to 2028, the Integrated Program for the Reconstruction and General Upgrading of Disaster Areas will focus on the reconstruction of public buildings and the financing of eligible households to rebuild or rehabilitate housing, according to a call for proposals published by the European Union. The support granted by the EU will also involve supporting the Moroccan state in the implementation of its integrated program. «It appeared essential to reserve part of the European funds to support local authorities, public bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, cooperatives, and professional organizations in order to complement the action of the State where it is not intended to intervene», reads the same announcement. According to the EU, said program should also include associative networks in the reconstruction process at the local level «to encourage and facilitate links between beneficiaries and administrations». «Civil society organizations in affected areas are locally anchored and have in-depth knowledge of the needs, priorities, and concerns of people affected by the earthquake», it added. «A certain number of associations will be able to contribute their know-how, in particular with regard to the effort to revitalize and sustainably cohead the territory, including the preservation of culture and heritage», the EU stressed. It further noted that the objective behind this call for proposals is to first preserve heritage in vernacular construction, based on local materials and traditional construction methods, and to strengthen the participatory and community approach in the reconstruction effort through the promotion of a dynamic of inclusive and resilient territorial cohesion.
