Bouregreg: 53.4 Million MAD to Protect the Banks of Rabat
The Agency for the Development of the Bouregreg Valley (AAVB) has launched a new initiative aimed at enhancing the protection of the riverbanks on the Rabat side. On September 8, the public establishment commenced the first phase of work, which is estimated to cost 53.43 million dirhams. The goal is to limit erosion risks and safeguard the land, as well as the structures and facilities installed along the riverbank.
This intervention is part of a broader effort to protect the developments made in recent years within the Bouregreg Valley. Initially, the project will focus on the exposed areas along the Rabat side, while the overall cost of the riverbank protection program has yet to be disclosed.
A first phase costing 53.43 million dirhams
The announced budget pertains to physical works designed to protect the riverbank against erosion phenomena. This marks the first phase of a potentially larger intervention that could extend to additional particularly vulnerable sectors.
In addition to this budget, a separate mission dedicated to technical assistance, control, and monitoring of the work has been estimated at 1.34 million dirhams.
Thus, the projected total cost for this initial operation amounts to 54.77 million dirhams, inclusive of both the construction work and technical support, prior to the final awarding of contracts.
Preserving the Valley’s Infrastructure
Beyond stabilizing the soil, the objective of this operation is to protect the numerous developments located along the Bouregreg. The gradual erosion of the riverbanks can indeed compromise the land, affect the adjacent structures, and ultimately lead to increased maintenance and repair expenses.
Therefore, safeguarding the riverbanks represents a crucial challenge in the preservation of investments made in the valley. In recent years, significant development work has taken place in the Bouregreg, including urban infrastructure, public spaces, amenities, crossing structures, and various installations related to riverside activities.
Effectively managing erosion is thus essential for ensuring the sustainability of these developments, particularly in areas where the land is directly exposed to river action.
Total cost of the program yet to be determined
The AAVB’s reference to a “first phase” indicates that the 53.43 million dirhams announced does not necessarily represent the total investment allocated for the protection of the Rabat riverbank.
Available information does not yet specify the exact length of the riverbanks to be addressed or the amount of any subsequent phases. It remains challenging, at this stage, to assess the total cost of the program aimed at combating erosion in the valley.
For the time being, priority is being given to areas identified as requiring intervention to reduce the risks of land degradation and impacts on existing structures.
An investment to protect Bouregreg’s assets
This operation primarily follows a logic of preserving developed heritage. Unlike constructing new facilities, the expenditures incurred aim to protect existing infrastructure and minimize the risks of more substantial corrective works needed in the future.
This issue holds particular importance in the Bouregreg Valley, where urban areas and infrastructures are in direct proximity to the river environment.
In parallel to the riverbank protection works, other development and maintenance operations are underway in the valley, including those related to lighting, urban furniture, and riverside amenities.
Sustainable soil stabilization thus serves as a prerequisite for the longevity of these investments. By limiting erosion, the AAVB aims to reduce risks that could impact the developments made along the Bouregreg and to ensure their continued functionality over time.
