Meknes Achieves Significant Progress in Housing Support Programs
In a significant announcement, Adib Ben Ibrahim, the Secretary of State responsible for housing, revealed that the city of Meknes has secured the third position nationally in terms of benefiting from the direct housing support program. This achievement follows the regions of Fes and Berrechid, which ranked first and second, respectively. This information was disclosed during a session of oral questions at the House of Councillors on Tuesday, June 2, 2026.
Ben Ibrahim noted that the number of beneficiaries from the direct housing support program has surpassed 105,000, out of a total of 218,000 applications registered nationwide. A remarkable 24% of beneficiaries are Moroccans residing abroad, while women account for 40%. Furthermore, youth under the age of 40 represent 52% of the total beneficiaries, indicating a strong focus on supporting younger demographics in their housing needs.
The Secretary of State emphasized that approximately 60% of beneficiaries purchased homes valued at less than 300,000 dirhams, and the program has provided financial assistance of 70,000 dirhams to 60% of families belonging to the middle-income bracket. This support is particularly crucial in urban areas that previously faced shortages in social housing agreements, thus helping to address these gaps effectively.
Expanding Housing Initiatives and Urban Development
Fes continues to lead the list of cities benefiting most from this housing support, followed closely by Berrechid and Meknes. Other notable cities such as Casablanca, Kenitra, El Jadida, Benslimane, and Settat also feature prominently in the program's outreach. Ben Ibrahim also announced the extension of benefits to include co-owners as per the 2026 Finance Law, thus opening new avenues for various demographics to gain essential housing support.
In another related initiative aimed at eradicating slum areas, the Secretary of State highlighted that 62 cities and urban centers have been classified as slum-free, positively affecting the living conditions of approximately 384,818 families. The pace of addressing slum housing has increased significantly from servicing 6,200 families annually to 18,180 families, with over 81,000 families having their living conditions improved during the current governmental term. The government aims to eradicate this phenomenon completely by 2028.
Ben Ibrahim further explained that the approach has shifted from mere "rehousing" to a comprehensive "resettlement" strategy, with 23,450 families in the province of Skhirat-Temara being addressed out of a total of 33,300 families in need. Regarding buildings at risk of collapse, national assessments have covered 53,728 buildings, with 28,000 undergoing specialized technical evaluations. Reports on urgent cases have been forwarded to the relevant local authorities for necessary action.
The Secretary of State emphasized the importance of urban renewal programs in rehabilitating deteriorating neighborhoods, improving access to decent housing, and reducing social vulnerability and exclusion. This is achieved by integrating marginalized areas into the urban fabric and addressing disparities with socio-economic and urban dimensions.
As reported by meknespress.com.
