King Mohammed VI inspected on Tuesday progress of projects meant to introduce an exquisite face-lift to Rabat’s heritage medinas (walled cities). The “City of Light, Moroccan Capital of Culture,” national renovation plan was initiated by the monarch in 2018 and has secured a whopping budget that exceeds $100 million.
The King visited the Bab Chellah and the souk Essabat streets in Rabat. The monarch also visited the restoration sites of El Mellah square and Sabbaghine street. According to Maghreb Arab Press (MAP), projects in the sites are 75 percent complete.
Projects, so far, have seen a benchmark investment of $66 million and included the development of the Tamejajet sports complex, improving the surroundings of medina walls and street paving. In addition, the streets, alleys, and small squares will get addresses, and workers will install information markers.
Other projects are also underway in Rabat, including an underground parking project at the Bab El Had entrance to the medina.
Rabat has completed several projects, including development projects in Lagza street, the renovation of the wall around the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the revamping of El Marsa avenue, the development of community sports fields in Bab Chellah, the building of a shopping arcade, and the consolidation of the El Mellah cliff.
Construction continues on other projects, including the restoration of the wall from Bab Laalou to Bab El Had. In addition to Rabat, the project also includes Sale, Meknes, Tetouan, Marrakech, and Essaouira.
A recipient of a $34 million boost last May, injected in the form of a complementary development plan, the mega renovation has at heart the goal of exponentially increasing the historic cities’ appeal.
Apart from revamping the architecture, utility in Bab El Had and Bab Chellah has seen tremendous improvement. Parking space has been expanded to accommodate 1,090 vehicles.
During his visit to the ancient city of Rabat, the Moroccan King oversaw the symbolic delivery of keys to three-wheel-drive taxis meant to promote tourism and ecological transport inside Rabat.
Furthermore, the renovation is designed as an opportunity for young people to work in the fields of tourism, communication, business, and foreign languages.
