Hamid Narjiss: President of the Regional Council of Marrakech

Q: How would you assess the work of the regional council since you were elected as its head?

A: We can say without argument that the balance is positive. Our region has been looking beyond the economic crisis without much damage. It even managed to maintain a dynamic economy and society.
The Regional Council of Marrakech-Tensift-Al Haouz contributed to this dynamic by creating a climate of trust and dialogue and opening channels of communication with citizens, local institutions and government partners. This allowed us to lay the groundwork for a concerted management of local affairs and guide our actions and give them some human and social depth.
Our approach has emphasized on the joint management between all components of the geographical region, making the necessary effort to develop their respective potentials. The goal is to end with the image of a capital city (Marrakech) rich, prosperous and developed against a poor suburb on the fringes of a dynamic development. This approach has been successful because it allowed the regional council to mobilize substantial funding valued at 1.365 billion dirham. We have in fact concluded eight agreements of partnership with government actors, private sector operators and local communities in the region. They cover, inter alia, the areas of environment, urban development and integrated management of water resources, information technology, qualified human resources (elected and local officials,) and sports equipment.

Q: What are the projects that were selected by the board for the current year and for the rest of your mandate?

A: Since our election, we held discussion meetings in each of the provinces and prefectures of the region, with the participation of officers of the council, local politicians, representatives of civil society and external services of the State. This participatory approach has allowed us to identify developmental projects that meet the needs of the population and that should correct the deficiencies and deficits facing the region. These projects aim to bring the region towards an integral development, solidarity, and sustainability. Our ambition is to build the region's engine of development for the Kingdom. The Regional Council has adopted several plans for the year as part of partnership agreements with some departments, local authorities, Maroc Telecom, and public institutions. There is particularly the creation of the Regional Observatory of the Environment, the House of the elected officials, the launch of the upgrade of the city of Ben Guerir and a study on the rehabilitation of the old medina of Essaouira and El Mallah district. There are also plans to implement the program of integrated management of water resources in the provinces of Ben Guerir and Kalaa, the establishment of a network of 3rd generation Internet connection and the desolation of the rural communes of Talamkant and Imi lmaiss in the province of Chichaoua; not to mention the construction of sports complexes in each prefecture of the region and in 30 rural communes in the first phase of two years. Furthermore, in order to bridge the gap in access to basic services, the regional council is finalizing a new set of projects. We will start with a Techno park, Marrakech shore platform and the implementation of the recommendations of the study on the promotion of tourism in the region. In addition, the Board proposes the implementation of the conclusions of the strategy of marketing for handicrafts, the implementation of the Green Morocco plan at the regional level, the expansion of educational complexes integrated with other rural communities and also the integrated management of water resources and the joint preparation of tablecloth contracts. The strengthening of road infrastructure, rehabilitation / restoration of monuments and historical sites and the widespread access to basic services, including electricity, drinking water and health care in rural areas, are also in the program.

Q: Does your council have sufficient financial resources to conduct until after the completion of these projects?

A: By nature, a budget is limited. It can never satisfy our expectations to live up to our ambitions. However, we try to make the most of what we have. Thus, the projects launched have required budgets far exceeding the budget allocated to the region which is only 90 million DH. To achieve our objectives and meet the true mission of economic and social development which we invested, we are committed to a proactive policy to mobilize additional financial resources.

Q: Your party, the PAM is leading the regional council and also the council of the city of Marrakech. What benefit can this dual presidency have on the region and the city?

A: Firstly, it should be noted that this dual presidency is the result of democratic elections that reflect the confidence of the citizens of Marrakech in our project. Our citizens voted for us and they are the ones who will have the opportunity to evaluate our actions. Obviously, the fact that our party is at the head of all these institutions can only improve the management of local affairs. The region is managed by a political vision and a unified uniform. That said, if the vision is common, the method may vary. First, each community has its specificities and plus it takes a certain degree of independence and creativity in order to complete a term of local management. In all cases, Marrakech today has a rare opportunity: uniting the forces of the region, city and prefectural council in a real synergy with the presence in these key positions of individuals of the same party.

Q: How will your party become more involved in major projects for the region?

A: The Authenticity and Modernity Party has taken several initiatives to help develop the region. Its involvement is manifested first by the action of its elected individuals from local and national institutions. It also manifests itself through the mobilization of resources to achieve its political project. Our party, which sees regionalization as one of its foundations, supports the design of some major structural projects in the region. We are also heavily involved in an effort to support our elected officials to perform the missions entrusted to them effectively and efficiently.

Q: What is your relationship with the opposition in the regional council?

A: Our relations are very constructive. We respect the opposition as a vital link for the proper functioning of local democracy. We are in a process that is both conciliatory and participatory. There is no room for political calculations.