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 of the Bouregreg River. On September 8, the public establishment commenced the first phase of work, estimated at 53.43 million dirhams, designed to mitigate erosion risks and safeguard the land, as well as the structures and facilities installed along the riverbank.
This intervention is part of a broader initiative to protect the developments that have been made in recent years in the Bouregreg Valley. Initially, the project will focus on the exposed areas located on the Rabat side, while the overall cost of the bank protection program has yet to be disclosed.
A First Phase of 53.43 Million Dirhams
The announced budget is allocated for physical works aimed at protecting the bank from erosion phenomena. As this is merely a first phase, it suggests that the intervention could be expanded to other particularly vulnerable sectors.
In addition to this budget, there is a distinct mission dedicated to technical assistance, monitoring, and oversight of the works, estimated at 1.34 million dirhams.
Thus, the total projected cost of this initial operation reaches 54.77 million dirhams, which includes both the construction work and its technical support, prior to the final awarding of contracts.
Preserving the Valley’s Infrastructure
Beyond soil stabilization, this operation aims to protect the numerous developments along the Bouregreg. The gradual erosion of the banks can undermine the land, impact riverbank structures, and eventually lead to increased maintenance and repair costs.
Consequently, bank protection represents a significant conservation challenge for the investments made in the valley. In recent years, substantial development has taken place along the Bouregreg, including urban infrastructure, public spaces, facilities, crossing structures, and various installations related to riverside activities.
Managing erosion is therefore crucial for ensuring the sustainability of these developments, particularly in areas where the terrain is directly exposed to the river’s action.
Total Program Cost Still to Be Determined
The AAVB’s reference to a "first phase" indicates that the announced 53.43 million dirhams does not necessarily represent the total investment earmarked for the protection of Rabat’s riverbank.
Available information does not yet specify the exact length of the banks to be treated or the costs of any subsequent phases. Thus, at this stage, it is difficult to assess the overall cost of the erosion control program in the valley.
For now, priority is being given to sectors identified as needing intervention to mitigate the risks of land degradation and damage to existing structures.
An Investment to Preserve Bouregreg’s Assets
This operation fundamentally focuses on preserving the built heritage. Unlike the construction of new facilities, the expenditures incurred are intended to protect existing infrastructure and limit the risks of more significant corrective work in the future.
This issue is particularly important in the Bouregreg Valley, where urban spaces and infrastructure are directly adjacent to the river environment.
Alongside the bank protection efforts, other development and maintenance operations are being conducted in the valley, including work on lighting, urban furniture, and riverside facilities.
Sustainable land stabilization is thus a prerequisite for the longevity of these investments. By limiting erosion, the AAVB aims to reduce risks that could impact the developments along the Bouregreg and preserve their functionality over time.
