Local construction materials open up new professional horizons

Interview with Moulay Ali Amerghas

Moulay Ali Amerghas is a builder and currently involved in construction of the Gîtes Aoujgal and Chez Saadiya et Mustapha guest houses. 

What was a new experience for you at the construction site?

It was an honour for me. I not only learned many new techniques, but I also began working with local and sustainable construction materials like stone and pisée (rammed earth), provided by nature.  To be honest, today I prefer working on such construction sites and on projects with which I feel closely connected and for which I can take responsibility. I received good support, and even the payment procedures were correct and efficient. Earning a living is already something, but appreciation of my work is even more important to me; and it was Swisscontact that brought me this very appreciation. The guidance provided by the Swisscontact team, with quick agreement and reaction times – that was a new thing for me and highly motivating.

Until now I usually worked at municipal building construction sites. The tourism sector was new for me, I didn’t know the field of overhauls and renovation. The aesthetic and practical element of these projects really spoke to me and I learned a lot. With this knowledge I’d like to specialize in the construction of tourist lodgings.

Mutual trust is important for a successful partnership. Did you experience that here?

Actually, at the construction site we had to deal with a few technical limitations and requirements by the property owner. Each time we sat down, discussed and found solutions together. What was important was that we trusted each other and thus made progress.