The Fes-Meknes Regional Council convened an extraordinary session on Wednesday in Fes, where it unanimously approved nine partnership agreements aimed at executing various developmental projects. Among these initiatives, the construction of a large stadium in the city of Meknes stands out, with a total financial envelope approaching 600 million dirhams. This monumental project is expected to significantly enhance the region's infrastructure and provide a boost to its sports facilities.
The partnership agreement for this sports facility involves several key stakeholders: the Ministry of National Education, Preschool and Sports, which will contribute 150 million dirhams, the Fes-Meknes region with a contribution of 100 million dirhams, the Meknes Prefectural Council providing 10 million dirhams, and the municipality of Meknes contributing 30 million dirhams. Additionally, the municipality of Mechouar will provide 10 million dirhams, while the Royal Moroccan Football Federation is set to invest a substantial 300 million dirhams. This agreement not only outlines the financial contributions of each party involved but also establishes the general conditions regarding the management and operation of the facility.
In a statement to the Moroccan News Agency, the President of the Fes-Meknes Regional Council, Abdel Wahid Al-Ansari, emphasized that this sports venue will add significant value to the region, particularly in light of Morocco's preparations to host the World Cup finals in 2030. He noted that the Fes-Meknes region is expected to welcome several participating teams, thus making this project a crucial element in the overall development strategy of the region.
Moreover, the council approved a partnership agreement aimed at developing a vocational training institute focused on construction and public works in Fes. This agreement underwent modifications from a previously ratified version during the July 2025 session, including designating the Ministry of Equipment and Water as the project owner instead of the National Union of Construction and Public Works. The total cost of this initiative stands at 14 million dirhams, with 9.8 million dirhams coming from the regional council and 4.2 million dirhams from the Ministry of Equipment and Water.
Additionally, council members approved a project agreement to construct a road leading to the Ras El Ma logistics area in the Moulay Yacoub province. This road is expected to enhance accessibility and improve the flow of movement within this vital economic zone, with a total project cost of 30 million dirhams, of which approximately 25 million dirhams will be contributed by the region and 5 million dirhams from the municipality of Ain Chkaf, which is designated as the project owner.
In an effort to bolster infrastructure in rural areas, the council also ratified a specific agreement focused on the development and maintenance of roads in the Taounate province, as part of the regional development program and initiatives aimed at reducing social and spatial disparities. This agreement carries a total financial commitment of nearly 20 million dirhams.
The council further approved an amendment to a partnership agreement aimed at acquiring and providing transportation means and logistical equipment for the Royal Gendarmerie in the Fes-Meknes region. This amendment also encompasses the establishment of a new gendarmerie barracks in the city of Ifrane, with an overall project cost of 20 million dirhams, allocated as 6 million dirhams for transportation means and 14 million dirhams for the new barracks.
In another significant move, the council greenlit a partnership agreement to construct a new prison facility in the province of Sefrou, designed to accommodate up to 1,000 inmates. This initiative comes with a total budget nearing 120 million dirhams, funded by contributions from the regional council, the Sefrou provincial council, and the General Delegation for Prison Administration and Reintegration.
The environmental sector also saw advancements, with the council approving a specific agreement aimed at enhancing the air quality monitoring network in the Fes-Meknes region. This initiative, with a financial outlay of 8 million dirhams, is part of the national air quality monitoring program for the 2020-2030 period and aims to increase the number of monitoring stations from nine to 15 by 2030.
Furthermore, the council approved a special agreement to enhance and expand the traditional crafts activity area in Benjellil, including the construction of access roads. This project, which has a total financial allocation of around 58 million dirhams, seeks to improve working conditions for artisans and professionals in the area while enhancing access and mobility, ultimately boosting the competitiveness of traditional products in the region.
Lastly, the council allocated financial resources to support and improve healthcare services across various hospitals in the region, aiming to bolster healthcare provision, bring medical services closer to citizens, and enhance the quality of healthcare and responsiveness to community needs. President Al-Ansari highlighted that the extraordinary session was marked by the approval of "rich and structuring projects" that will contribute to improving citizens' living conditions and enhancing the region's attractiveness, thereby increasing its economic, tourism, and social competitiveness in alignment with the ongoing developmental initiatives across various provinces and districts.
As reported by kifache.com.
