Nizar Baraka, Morocco’s Minister of Equipment and Water, announced that the government is moving forward with the expropriation process for public interest to facilitate the development of the Sidi Abou dam in the Brarha commune, located in the Taza province.
The move comes after some residents of homes near the dam’s water retention area expressed reluctance to sign amicable agreements.
In response to a written inquiry from members of parliament, Baraka explained that the ministry had conducted a comprehensive survey of the homes surrounding the water retention area. This expropriation initiative is designed to support the development of critical infrastructure, in accordance with the provisions of Law No. 7.81 on expropriation for public interest and temporary occupation.
To formalize the procedure, the ministry published a draft transfer decree in Official Bulletin No. 5666 (bis) on June 2, 2021. An administrative survey, conducted in collaboration with the municipalities of Ain Maâtouh, Brarha, and Beni Frassen, took place from June 2 to August 2, 2021, in line with Article 10 of the same law.
Following the survey, the ministry took into account the objections raised by residents, issuing Decision No. 2285.23 on September 4, 2023. Published in Official Bulletin No. 7254 bis on December 7, 2023, the decision initiated a six-month compensation notification period, which will end on August 8, 2024.
Baraka also revealed that an administrative commission was convened to assess the compensation amounts, in compliance with the relevant legal provisions. Compensation for affected residents has already been deposited with the Caisse de Dépôts et de Gestion for the 2023 and 2024 fiscal years.
The ministry has dispatched a commission to sign amicable agreements with residents, in coordination with local authorities. So far, 54% of the compensation files for crops and surface installations have been signed, as well as 50% of files related to land, and 49% of files for beneficiaries.
Baraka emphasized that the ministry is prioritizing the files of those occupying homes to expedite the compensation process necessary for the development of the water retention area. For property owners who remain hesitant to sign agreements, the government is preparing to initiate legal proceedings under the provisions of Law No. 7.81 and Dahir No. 1.81.254 of May 6, 1982.
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