Ourika – The crafts sector in the province of Al Haouz has managed to overcome the effects of the earthquake that struck the region on September 8 last year.

Thanks to their determination and perseverance, as well as the ongoing support of the local authorities, the artisans have been able to resume their activities at an accelerated pace.

Therefore, the region is experiencing a remarkable recovery in the craft activities that were impacted by this natural disaster, enabling artisans to contribute to the local economy’s growth.

The crafts sector plays an important role as one of the main components of the local economy, employing a significant number of people in addition to its pioneering role in the development of tourism and the preservation of Morocco’s cultural heritage and art of living.

Hicham Bardouzi, regional director of the crafts and social economy sector in Marrakech-Safi, told MAP that the sector continues to recover from the repercussions of the earthquake thanks to the Ministry’s intervent
ions alongside its partners in several areas linked to the reconstruction and rehabilitation of professional premises and foundouks, training and product promotion.

Bardouzi pointed to the 42% increase in exports during the first six months of 2024, compared with the same period last year, as one of the indicators of this recovery, emphasizing the positive and significant impact of the tourism sector on crafts in the region in general and in Al Haouz in particular.

In this regard, he noted that more than 1,240 artisans have applied for assistance, which amounts to 80,000 dirhams, including 514 artisans in the prefecture of Marrakech, 426 in the province of Al Haouz and 305 in the province of Chichaoua, all affected by the earthquake’s aftermath.

He specified that the central aid commission has approved the granting of assistance to 782 artisans, noting that 100 of them benefited from the first installment in December of last year, while 682 received it in July 2024.

In this context, he stated that 70% of
the artisans who received support during the first installment have completed their work and resumed their professional activities.

Hassan Edaazi, who works in the pottery sector in the village of Tafza, also affected by the earthquake in the town of Ourika, said that his workshop, which employs six people, has fully resumed its activities thanks to the support he received.

He added that the growth of the tourism sector in the region has also contributed to the increase in exports of its products on the international market.

Efforts to promote the crafts sector in the region also include the rehabilitation of 40 foundouks, worth 94 million dirhams, as part of the agreement between the regional crafts department as well as several partners.

These also include development programs in partnership with the Mohammed V Foundation for Solidarity, for the training of artisans in the building trade and of women in the province of Al Haouz in weaving and carpet-making, in addition to the provision of technical equi
pment to help the artisans resume their professional activities.

Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse