Morocco Prioritizes Earthquake-Resistant Building Codes in Wake of Recent Tragedy
In the aftermath of the devastating earthquake that shook Morocco, the government is taking concrete steps to prioritize earthquake-resistant construction. A key item on the agenda for the upcoming government council meeting is the review and potential update of earthquake building codes, signaling a proactive approach to future disaster preparedness.
The council, headed by Prime Minister Aziz Akhannouch, will convene on Thursday to discuss a range of critical issues, with a particular focus on the safety and well-being of Moroccan citizens. Among the key topics slated for discussion are:
Review of Summer Tourism Season: The Minister of Tourism, Handicrafts, and Social and Solidarity Economy will present a report on the performance of the recent summer tourism season. This sector is vital to the Moroccan economy, and understanding its successes and challenges is crucial for future planning.
Amendments to Health Insurance Law: The council will deliberate on a draft law aimed at modifying and enhancing the existing law concerning basic compulsory health insurance. This signifies a commitment to improving healthcare access and affordability for all Moroccans.
Earthquake-Resistant Building Regulations: Crucially, the council will examine three draft decrees related to construction and seismic safety. These include:
Regulations ensuring the quality and health safety of marketed sauces.
Amendments to the decree concerning the “R.P.S 2000” earthquake-resistant building standard. This standard, applicable to buildings designed to withstand seismic activity, will be reviewed and potentially updated. The establishment of a national committee for earthquake engineering is also under consideration.
Amendments to the decree concerning earthquake-resistant building standards for structures built with clay, along with the creation of a national committee dedicated to this traditional building method.
This focus on earthquake-resistant construction comes at a crucial time for Morocco. The recent earthquake, which tragically claimed thousands of lives and caused widespread destruction, has underscored the urgent need for robust building codes and infrastructure capable of withstanding seismic events.
The Moroccan government’s proactive approach to reviewing and potentially strengthening these regulations demonstrates a commitment to learning from this tragedy and prioritizing the safety and resilience of the nation’s buildings and infrastructure.
The council meeting will conclude with the review of proposed appointments for senior positions, as per Article 92 of the Constitution.
Dialogue on Strike Law Continues Between Government, Unions, and Employers
In other news, the Moroccan government continues its dialogue with social partners regarding the proposed regulatory law on strikes.
Representatives from the most representative trade unions have emphasized the importance of reaching a consensus on the content of the draft law. They stress the need for a collaborative approach that ensures the right to strike is protected while considering the needs of both workers and employers.
During recent consultative meetings led by Younes Sekkouri, Minister of Economic Inclusion, Small Business, Employment, and Skills, trade unions highlighted the significance of open and constructive dialogue on this critical issue.
Said Khairallah, a member of the National Secretariat of the Moroccan Labor Union, reported that negotiations regarding the draft law have progressed significantly. He expressed the union’s willingness to engage in a collaborative process with all stakeholders to achieve a historic agreement that safeguards the right to strike.
Minister Sekkouri responded positively to the concerns and suggestions raised by both the trade unions and the General Confederation of Moroccan Enterprises (CGEM).
