Rabat – Morocco’s government has reassured citizens that the contribution of public employees to the special fund for managing the earthquake will be voluntary.
The government stressed that the contribution of government employees, civil servants, local authorities and public institution employees for the months of September, October, and November will be on a voluntary basis and optional.
The statement came in response to a government announcement that public servants will have a deduction on their monthly salaries equivalent to one day’s salary per month for three months as part of efforts to contribute to the special fund seeking to manage the earthquake crisis that struck the country on September 8.
In an explanatory press release following the announcement, the government emphasized that the contributions will be deducted from the net income, before income tax and pension and social security deductions.
The measure will be implemented through a dedicated form that must be signed by the employee or the individual.
For individuals whose salaries are managed by the Directorate of Employee Expenses under Morocco’s Treasury, the voluntary contributions will be deducted directly by the directorate.
Departments responsible for employees of public institutions will be responsible for deducting the solidarity and voluntary contributions from public institutions employees.
The contributions are set to be transferred to account number 126 that Morocco has dedicated for collecting funds in all branches of Bank Al Maghrib.
Morocco witnessed the largest and deadliest earthquake the country has faced in 120 years on September 8, killing over 2,900 people while more than 5,500 people were injured.
Several Moroccan institutions have announced contributions to the fund, in addition to countries, NGOs, and former officials.
Rescue operations continue in many affected areas, with the World Health Organization estimating the number of people affected at 300,000. UNICEF said that the earthquake has affected 100,000 children.
Source : MoroccoWorldNews