Assahafa.com
The European Investment Bank (EIB) and Morocco’s Office of Railways (ONCF) have signed a technical assistance partnership agreement to support the development of a climate resilience and adaptation strategy for the Moroccan railway network.
A joint statement from the two parties said the agreement is a new step in the long-standing collaboration between ONCF and the EIB, strengthening transport infrastructure in Morocco.
EIB Vice President Ioannis Tsakiris expressed satisfaction with the partnership, noting that the signed agreement represents a “strong commitment from the EIB to support Morocco in its energy transition and the adaptation of its infrastructure to climate change.”
The railways sector emits up to 80% less CO2 than road transport, he said, noting that this sector is crucial for achieving Morocco’s climate goals.
Through the partnership, ONCF seeks to enhance the resilience of the Moroccan railway network for a safer and more sustainable future.
ONCF General Director Mohamed Rabie Khlie also expressed satisfaction with the deal, touting the importance of partnership with the EIB.
He said the partnership aligns with ONCF’s “clear commitment to continue its adaptation strategy for efficient and resilient infrastructure, thereby consolidating the role of railways as the backbone of sustainable mobility.”
This collaboration also addresses the growing challenges of climate change, the press release added, noting that the cooperation seeks to further assist ONCF in anticipating climate risks.
It also aims to design adaptation solutions for railway infrastructure, improving the resilience of the network against extreme weather events.
The primary goal is to assess the climate risks faced by the Moroccan railway network, taking into account weather challenges –including extreme temperatures, strong winds, and more.
“Dedicated adaptation solutions will be developed for the most vulnerable areas and infrastructures to mitigate damage risks,” the statement said, noting that a long-term strategy will be developed to enhance the network’s resilience, reducing future costs associated with climate-related damage and operational interruptions.
“This technical assistance will employ recognized climate risk assessment methods,” including classifying infrastructure based on their vulnerability and proposing tailored solutions to boost their resilience.
The agreement comes as Morocco continues to reiterate its commitment to developing and upgrading its infrastructure in the face of climate challenges.
In July, Minister of Equipment Nizar Baraka said the country invests an annual average investment of $1.4 billion to upgrade its road infrastructure, noting that safety programs are also at the forefront of the ministry’s concerns.
Source: Morocco word news
