Tangier, 8 Jan.2009 (MAP)- King Mohammed VI of Morocco, on Thursday, launched the construction works of a new city in the province of Fahs Anjra, north of Morocco, at a global cost of MAD 24 bln ($2.9 bln).
The city dubbed CH'RAFATE will be established on a 1,300ha area and will include, by the completion of works in 2020, some 30,000 housing units benefiting 150k people.
The new city, to be located between the cities of Tangiers and Tetuan (both north), falls within the framework of the strategic choices defined by the development plan of the Al Boughaz region that provides for building large new urban areas and preventing the excessive build-up along the coast by favoring inlands.
This project, to be carried out by development company Al Omrane Al Boughaz as well as national and international property developers, will strengthen both the urban and road networks in Morocco's northern region, while anticipating the demand for diversified housing that will be generated by the Tanger-Med Port and surrounding industrial areas.
It will also create jobs thanks to the establishment of an industrial zone, while guaranteeing environment-friendly measures by adapting the city to all the constraints either geological or technical, and preserving an urban style similar to that prevailing in the Mediterranean rim.
Besides a diversified housing offer, the city will include several industrial zones, a handicrafts complex, a tourism-oriented area, city facilities and green areas.
On this occasion, the Monarch inquired on the 2009-2034 urban development program of M'diq city that is meant to monitor the industrial development between the Tanger-Med Port and the city, preserve protected natural areas, replant trees and boost the economic development and the attraction of the region's tourist area.
The king also heard details about the 2020 housing program for the cities of Tangier, Tetouan, M'diq and Fnideq that require 350k additional housing units to fill housing shortfalls and address needs stemming from the population growth.
Source : (MAP)