On this occasion, minister of housing, urban planning and urban policy, Mohamed Nabil Benabdellah, gave a presentation on the programme of restoration and rehabilitation of historical monuments of the old medina of Fez, the actions carried out since 2004 to preserve the old medina of Fez and those provided for under the new programme to handle buildings in danger of collapse in the ancient fabric (the old medina and Mechouar Fez Jdid) (2013-2017 ).

    The minister said that in accordance with the Royal guidelines for actions to be carried out to preserve the city of Fez, a participatory approach was adopted between the relevant government departments and local actors, which culminated in the development of two programmes, respectively the restoration and rehabilitation of historical monuments, and handling buildings in danger of collapse in the old medina of Fez.

   The historical monuments restoration programme will mobilize investments of about 285.5 million dirhams, said the minister, who noted that the programme provides for the rehabilitation of five Medersas, four Borjs, three Foundouks, three tanneries, two Walls, two Bridges and eight various monuments.

   The various actions set under this programme will contribute to strengthening tourist tours at the old medina, improving the built area, enhancing socio-economic development of the city and preserving the authentic character of this age-old city, recorded in 1981 as World Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO, he added.

   As far as the programme to handle buildings in danger of collapse in the ancient fabric is concerned, the minister stressed that the actions carried out since 2004 resulted in relocating 476 households, shoring up 1592 buildings and reinforcing 283 others.

   The new programme, which covers the period 2013-2017, concerns handling 3666 buildings in danger of collapse in the old medina, he said.

    The 330-million dirham action plan, the minister pointed out, provides for the demolition of 143 buildings and handling 1,586 buildings classified as dangerous (1st degree).

    HM the King presided, afterwards, the signing ceremony of the agreement on the restoration and rehabilitation of historical monuments in the medina of Fes, and the agreement relating to handling buildings in danger of collapse in the old Medina of Fez.

   The Sovereign made a walking tour through the narrow streets of the old medina of Fez. He visited the monuments that will be rehabilitated, including the Khrachfiyine Bridge, the Medersa Mohammadia, the Medersa Seffarine, the Souk Sebbaghine and the Terrafine Bridge.