Morocco allocates $15 million to restore kasbahs and ksours

Kasbah in Ouarzazate

On a recent trip around Morocco, it was very noticeable that many of the countries kasbahs (walled forts) and ksours (walled villages) were in need of repair. It is, of course true that being built from stone and adobe, they are subject to the natural erosion caused by rains and storms. According to one expert, the life of a kasbah can be as short as fifty years before it needs major repair or rebuilding.

Now comes the good news. The Moroccan Minister of Housing, Toufiq Hejira (pictured left) has announced the allocation of 123 million dirhams (15 million U.S. dollars) to restore a large number of kasbahs and ksours.

The restoration works of seventeen kasbahs has already been completed or is nearing completion in the southern regions of Errachidia, Erfoud and Rissani, while the restoration work on fourteen other ksours and kasbahs is under way.

Ksour houses in need of repair

On the measures to cope with the impact of the recent rainfalls, Hejira said that a committee has been established to coordinate between the different departments concerned.

He also noted that some 135 families have benefited from land lots to build their homes, as well as the necessary financial and technical assistance.

Part of a derelict ksour

Tags: Moroccan Morocco Fes, Maghreb news