After the 2023 earthquake, Morocco's Al Haouz province launched an ambitious program of rehabilitation and reconstruction, carried out swiftly and efficiently. Authorities and partners mobilized to restore essential infrastructure, roads, health centers, and schools, vital for a rapid return to normal life. Rehabilitating the road network was a top priority, as the quake had severely damaged main routes, cutting off entire villages. Emergency works quickly reopened strategic axes linking affected communes to nearby towns. Today, despite difficult terrain, the Ministry of Equipment and Water, together with the Grand Atlas Development Agency, is pursuing a vast program to rebuild resilient roads. An investment of MAD 890.9 million has been allocated for 2024–2025, including MAD 875.7 million for road infrastructure and MAD 15 million for water projects. Key projects include restoring National Road N7 between Tahanaout and Taroudant and ensuring drinking water supply for affected populations. The quake heavily strained the local health system, with several centers destroyed or severely weakened. Mobile medical units were deployed within days to maintain care and psychological support. Since then, new earthquake-resistant health centers have been built, better equipped with emergency units, modern technology, and strengthened staff. «An emergency program was launched to rehabilitate or rebuild damaged facilities, especially in Asni, Tlat N'Yaaqoub, and Ighil», explained Mustapha Jader, provincial health delegate. In total, 43 centers have been rebuilt or rehabilitated, 75% of which are already operational. Education was also prioritized. Of the 343 damaged schools, 103 were completely destroyed. Temporary prefabricated classrooms were set up immediately to avoid disruption. Reconstruction is now underway, with new earthquake-resistant schools offering libraries, sports fields, and digital equipment. A rehabilitation program has also restored partially damaged schools. «Colossal efforts were made by the ministry and its partners to rebuild schools», said Mohamed Zerrouki, provincial education director. For the 2025–2026 school year, 80 new schools have been delivered, including a new primary in Asni with 13 classrooms, a preschool section, sports field, canteen, and green spaces, serving 600 students. The strategy in Al Haouz goes beyond repairing damage. Roads, health centers, and schools are being rebuilt stronger, safer, and more accessible, with an eye on long-term development and social equity. The province is turning tragedy into an opportunity to modernize infrastructure, strengthen resilience, and build a safer future for its people.
