Speaking at the launch of the National Dialogue on Urban Planning and Housing, Akhannouch noted that the improvement of administrative governance is at the core of the Government's concerns.

Through this event, held under the patronage of His Majesty King Mohammed VI, the government seeks to promote dialogue with the various stakeholders in order to outline a new public policy, based on a territorial approach that can bring about a new model of urban development with decent and accessible living spaces.

The Executive attaches importance to providing a decent housing supply that meets the requirements of citizens, Akhannouch said, adding that the situation resulting from Covid-19 has unveiled the extent of disparities in quality and access to housing, as well as the lack of residential areas with decent living spaces and basic amenities.

The cost of access to average housing is still high, especially for new households and couples who are about to get married, the Head of Government deplored, adding that the real estate sector has experienced stagnation throughout the previous decade, with a very low supply of medium-class housing.

In light of this situation, Akhannouch stressed the need to question the efficiency of the adopted public policies, including tax expenditures allocated to the acquisition of housing, noting that even though the housing deficit has been reduced to 368,000 units in 2021, down from over 1.2 million units in 2002, it is still difficult today to assess the economic and social impact of these incentives.

The Head of Government called for a reflection on the means to adapt the supply to the demand, by proposing adequate housing offers taking into account the territorial and social specificities as well as the social inclusion issues.

The Executive aspires to improve administrative governance at the central and territorial levels to meet the aspirations of the population and entrepreneurs, he said.

The works of this National Dialogue can be an opportunity to reflect on other challenges concerning the sector of housing and urban planning, such as education and health, the head of Government added.

Launched at the initiative of the Ministry of National Territory Planning, Land Planning, Housing and City Policy, the National Dialogue on Urban Planning and Housing will be extended to the 12 regions of the Kingdom from September 21 and will focus on four key issues that will be discussed in thematic workshops, moderated by renowned experts.