A year after the earthquake in Morocco: struggles and unfulfilled promises.

One year after the devastating earthquake that left nearly 3,000 fatalities in Morocco, the situation in many affected communities remains bleak. In places like Imi N'tala, the devastation caused by the quake is clearly visible: piles of rubble serve as a constant reminder of a tragedy that has yet to be overcome. Homes have turned to ruins, and while some have begun to erect new structures, others are still anxiously awaiting the arrival of resources promised by the government. The streets, although cleared, still bear the marks of disaster. It is common to see displaced residents living in plastic tents, a solution that, while temporary, has become the norm for many families longing to return to their homes. However, the reality is that most of the 55,000 homes destroyed by the earthquake remain unreconstructed, creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and frustration. Government promises of monthly subsidies and reconstruction funds have not reached all affected individuals equitably. Residents' testimonies reflect deep dissatisfaction with the pace of aid, which has not only been delayed but also distributed unevenly. This has led to increased social tension, with protests in cities like Amizmiz and Talat N'Yaqoub, where citizens' patience is wearing thin. The figure of Mohamed Soumer, a 69-year-old retiree who lost his son in the disaster, embodies the pain and anger accumulated among the affected. Soumer now finds himself in a plastic tent, powerless against the restrictions that prevent him from rebuilding his home on the hillside where he has lived his entire life. This is just a reflection of how the desire to remain in their homeland, where many grow their own vegetables, faces bureaucratic barriers that hinder reconstruction. In contrast to the situation in smaller towns, larger cities in the province have begun to show signs of recovery. With the arrival of some homes in metal containers and improvements in certain infrastructures, daily life has been partially restored. However, the inequality between urban and rural areas has intensified, exacerbating criticism of the authorities for not adequately addressing the needs of the most vulnerable. The Moroccan government has estimated that complete reconstruction will cost around 120 billion dirhams, equivalent to about 12 billion dollars. While progress has been made in rehabilitating roads, health centers, and schools, the recent statement from the commission responsible for reconstruction regarding the need to accelerate housing reconstruction has underscored the urgency for more effective intervention. Initial applause for the government's response following the tragedy has transformed into a feeling of disappointment. Residents are not only calling for the reconstruction of their homes but also for an improvement in their quality of life through investments in social services and infrastructure that have been neglected for years. This lack of prior attention to the territory's needs has been one of the strongest criticisms in the current context. As the first anniversary of the earthquake approaches, residents' testimonies reveal the daily struggle for survival and the hope for a better future. Many are tired of living in precarious conditions and yearn to have a safe home that allows them to regain some semblance of normalcy. The road to recovery is long and fraught with obstacles, but the community's will remains intact. Residents of the affected villages, despite setbacks, show resilience and unity, ready to fight for their rights and demand what has been promised to them. The story of Morocco in this post-earthquake year is a testament to the struggle between hope and disillusionment, a narrative that reminds us of the importance of not forgetting those who have suffered unimaginable losses.