The government council approved Law No. 64.23 on Thursday, which aims to establish regional agencies for urban planning and housing. The proposal was presented by Fatima Zahra Mansouri, the Minister of National Territorial Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy.
Mustafa Baytas, the Minister Delegate to the Head of Government for Parliamentary Relations and government spokesperson, provided details during a press conference following the council meeting. He noted that this initiative stems from the outcomes of a working session chaired by King Mohammed VI, focusing on urban planning and housing, specifically the establishment of 12 regional agencies. It also aligns with recommendations from the national dialogue on urban planning and housing, as well as those from the Court of Auditors regarding the repositioning of urban agencies.
Baytas explained that the new law will create a public institution called the “Regional Agency for Urban Planning and Housing” for each region of the country. These agencies will have legal status and financial independence, including the possibility of establishing representations at the level of provinces as needed.
Additionally, the project encompasses provisions to enhance the responsibilities and tasks of these regional agencies, particularly in spatial planning, development support, investment facilitation, and monitoring regional dynamics. It aims to implement a national policy aimed at easing access to housing for Moroccans.
Currently, Morocco has 29 urban agencies with 34 branches, some of which cover larger territories and have broader responsibilities. The new reform will create 12 regional agencies across the country’s regions, with the option for further representations at provincial levels.
The new agencies will have expanded duties, including urban planning, development support, and investment facilitation, with a particular focus on increasing accessibility to housing for Moroccans. The reform will also clarify the responsibilities of the general director and establish the financial organization of these agencies.
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