Day: April 4, 2024

The Federal Government has installed speed limit cameras on the Third Mainland Bridge, to encourage responsible driving, preserve the bridge and improve safety. The Federal Controller of Works, Lagos, Mrs Olukorede Keisha, announced the unofficial re-opening of the bridge on Thursday, in Lagos. She said that the speed limit was being done in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the Federal Government had on Jan. 9 begun comprehensive rehabilitation on the bridge due to several failed portions on it. She disclosed that the speed cameras would be displayed conspicuously at the median to capture motorists who would exceed the limit. She explained that anyone caught speeding, would not face immediate penalties on the spot. Keisha said, 'Today we are fixing the speed limits. It is in conjunction with the Federal Road Safety Corps and they are on the bridge now doing that. 'The speed limit has been designed to be 80km/per hour. So, if you speed past 80 km in the next few weeks, your honourable Commissioner will have you to contend with. 'And at the renewal of your vehicle license, you will be surcharged. So, it's no longer going to be business as usual.'' Keisha, who spoke on behalf of the Minister of Works, Sen. Dave Umahi, noted that the bridge, which was fully opened to the public, still had some additional work ongoing on it. This remaining work, Keisha said, includes installing solar lights and CCTV cameras. According to her, they are doing this while the bridge is open so as not to disrupt traffic flow in the future. She said that the main deck repairs would be finished by May, adding that there would be an official commissioning to mark the completion by President Bola Tinubu. Additionally, Keisha said that work would be done underneath the bridge and underwater. She assured the users that the work would not cause any traffic issues, noting that it was important to strengthen the overall bridge structure. She also said that if drivers follow the speed limit and there was no misuse of the road (like overloading or accidents), the Third Mainland Bridge would not require major maintenance for the next two years. Keisha appealed to motorists to report breakdowns, saying, 'If you see something, say something, and if you see a car being repaired on the bridge, you should report it by calling me or the police. ' We are going to talk with the governor. If your vehicle breaks down, it is not to your own joy or delight. So, you should be assisted instead of being penalised. 'So, if people know that they will be assisted, I'm sure they will be encouraged to drive to a safe place or to park and quickly fix one or two things, but not do major repairs on the bridge.'' In his remark, the Commissioner for Transportation, Lagos State, Mr Oluwaseun Osiyemi, corroborated Keisha's statements, urging people to comply. 'You will see speed limit signs as from today and the speed cameras will come on; the speed limit for Third Mainland Bridge is 80km per hour, so t he speed cameras are there. 'So, if you go beyond the speed limits, what it does is that it takes a picture of your car and your number plate; we have a data base, and we have our ways of sending your bills to you. 'So I will advise that people comply,'' he said. Source: News Agency of Nigeria

Rabat - On the occasion of Eid al Fitr, it has been decided to suspend work in State administrations and local authorities, exceptionally, on Friday April 12 in case the 1st Shawwal corresponds to Wednesday April 10, announced the Head of Government's department. "On the occasion of Eid al Fitr, it has been decided to suspend work in State administrations and local authorities, on an exceptional basis, on Friday April 12, 2024, in the event that 1st Shawwal 1445 corresponds to Wednesday April 10, 2024, and this, in application of the provisions of article 3 of decree n°2-05-916 of 13 Jumada II 1426 (July 20, 2005), as amended and supplemented," the department said in a statement. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Rabat - His Majesty King Mohammed VI sent a message of congratulations to president of the Republic of Senegal, Bassirou Diomaye Faye, on the occasion of his country's National Day. In this message, the Sovereign expressed, with all the Moroccan people, to Bassirou His warmest wishes for the happiness and prosperity of the Senegalese people. His Majesty the King also expressed His high regard for the "centuries-old and deep" bonds of brotherhood between the Moroccan and Senegalese peoples, and for the "traditional and unique" friendship uniting the two countries, reiterating the particular importance He attaches to their continuation in all areas of mutual interest. "I look forward to working with Your Excellency to consolidate Moroccan-Senegalese cooperation at both bilateral and regional levels, within the framework of a dynamic and mutually beneficial partnership for the youth of our two countries", said His Majesty the King. The Sovereign took this opportunity to reiterate His congratulations and best wishes for success in the high mission entrusted to Bassirou in the service of Senegal and its people. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse

Paris - In an article published on Thursday, French daily Le Figaro shed light on Morocco's remarkable strides in reforming its social protection system, labeling it as a "singular" initiative within the African continent. The article underscored the distinctiveness of Morocco's reform, emphasizing that on a continent where fewer than 15% of the population benefits from social protection, Morocco's efforts stand out significantly. Describing the reform as a "major social turning point," the publication commended Morocco for its ambitious endeavor. Highlighting the urgency and scope of the reform, Le Figaro pointed out that Morocco has set a deadline for its universal social protection reform, aiming to fully implement it by 2025. The reform, it noted, is anticipated to have a transformative impact on millions of households, ultimately enhancing the country's Human Development Index. Launched officially in 2021, Morocco's reform program is hailed as one of the most ambitious initiatives underway in middle-i ncome countries globally. Drawing from the World Bank's insights, the newspaper outlined the multi-dimensional approach of the reform, based on the progressive implementation of various pillars. The first phase, initiated in 2022, revolves around mandatory health insurance, which has already been extended to cover an additional 22 million beneficiaries. Complementing this, the article elaborated on the incorporation of family allowances, aimed at providing direct monthly income based on the number of children. The financial commitment behind the reform is staggering, with an estimated budget of 40 billion dirhams earmarked by 2026. The Moroccan government, as per Le Figaro, pledges substantial support, with a contribution of up to 20 billion dirhams over the next three years. Aside from the financial aspect, the article accentuated the innovative tools employed in the reform process. Central to this is the Unified Social Registry (RSU), hailed as a pivotal instrument. The RSU serves as a singular platform for registration, enabling efficient identification and evaluation of households' eligibility for social programs. Moreover, its biometric features serve as a deterrent against fraudulent activities. Source: Agence Marocaine De Presse