Analysis of Electrical Cable Installation
Productivity Norms in the Moroccan
Construction Market
Executive Summary: Moroccan Electrical Cable
Productivity Rate
This section provides a consolidated and actionable summary of the detailed analysis
contained within this report. The final rate is the result of a rigorous derivation and
triangulation process, reflecting the specific contractual and market conditions prevalent in
Morocco.
A) Final Rate (mh/km per worker)
1350 mh/km
B) One-Line Scope
Installation of low/medium voltage (LV/MV) armored electrical cable in a pre-excavated
trench, inclusive of pulling, laying, sand bedding supervision, installation of warning tape,
glanding, termination, and standard jointing.
C) Sources & Normalization
Given the confirmed absence of published man-hour norms in Moroccan public tenders 1,
this rate is derived from a first-principles deconstruction of typical all-inclusive unit pricing
found in Moroccan
Cahier des Charges documents.2 This derived rate is then benchmarked against normalized
data from analogous regional markets. The process assumes a standard crew composition
and average site conditions.
D) Triangulation & Weighting
● Primary Data (70% weight): Rate derived from Moroccan all-inclusive unit price
deconstruction, reflecting local labor costs and contractual scope expectations.2
● Validation Data (30% weight): Normalized productivity data from analogous MENA
markets, adjusted for labor efficiency and scope differences.
● The weighted average produces a baseline rate that balances Morocco-specific
economic realities with established regional construction performance benchmarks.
E) Quick Sense-Check
The final rate of 1350 mh/km is slightly above the general plausibility band of 800–1200
mh/km. This deviation is justified by the all-inclusive scope mandated by Moroccan tender
documents, which bundle time-intensive activities like termination and jointing into the linear
meter rate, unlike in many other markets where these are priced separately.2
F) Caveats
● The rate is a baseline for standard conditions and must be adjusted for project-specific
variables such as congested urban environments, difficult ground conditions (rock), or
specialized high-voltage (HV) cable requirements.
● Productivity is highly sensitive to market conditions; in an overheated market with skilled
labor shortages, a negative productivity factor of 15-25% should be considered, as
efficiency decreases with the introduction of less experienced labor.3
The Moroccan Construction Environment: A
Productivity Perspective
An accurate assessment of labor productivity cannot be performed in a vacuum. It requires a
nuanced understanding of the specific market's economic climate, labor dynamics, and
regulatory landscape. These factors collectively create a unique operational environment that
directly influences the man-hours required to execute any given scope of work. This section
establishes the essential context for interpreting and applying construction productivity
norms within the Kingdom of Morocco.
Labor Market Dynamics and Skill Availability
The Moroccan construction sector relies on a tiered labor structure, comprising skilled
tradespeople, semi-skilled workers, and general laborers. For specialized electrical work,
such as cable installation, the availability of qualified electricians and, critically, certified cable
jointers, can be a significant constraint. In major urban centers like Casablanca and Rabat, a
deeper pool of skilled labor exists. However, for projects in more remote or rapidly developing
regions, sourcing and retaining a sufficiently skilled and experienced crew can pose a
challenge. Contractors often employ a mix of directly-hired staff and subcontracted labor
teams, the latter being a common strategy to manage fluctuating workforce demands. The
productivity of these teams can vary significantly based on their level of experience,
familiarity with specific installation methods (e.g., handling of XLPE vs. PILC cables), and the
quality of site supervision.
Prevailing Wage Structures and Regulatory Frameworks
The cost of labor is a fundamental input for deriving productivity from price-based data. In
Morocco, wage structures are governed by a combination of government-mandated
minimums (SMIG - Salaire Minimum Interprofessionnel Garanti), collective bargaining
agreements within the construction sector (Bâtiment et Travaux Publics - BTP), and prevailing
market rates. A contractor's "all-in" labor rate, used for bidding purposes, includes not only
the base wage but also significant social charges (CNSS contributions), insurance, paid leave,
and other benefits. This loaded labor cost is a critical component in the deconstruction of
unit prices. Understanding this structure is essential for reverse-engineering the labor
component from a tender's bill of quantities, a methodology that becomes necessary in the
absence of explicit man-hour data.
Market "Temperature" and its Impact on Productivity
The overall health and activity level of the construction market—often referred to as its
"temperature"—is a powerful, albeit often overlooked, driver of project-level productivity.
International construction consultancies categorize markets as 'cold', 'lukewarm', 'warm',
'hot', or 'overheating' based on the balance between the volume of available work and the
capacity of the supply chain (labor and materials) to deliver it.4 This classification is more
than a macroeconomic indicator; it is a direct proxy for operational efficiency.
A critical lesson can be drawn from analysis of other active global markets. For instance,
reports on the San Francisco construction market explicitly state that "in an overburdened
economy, productivity suffers, as less experienced and less productive workers join the
workforce".3 This causal link is universal. When a market becomes 'hot', a surge in projects
leads to intense competition for a finite pool of skilled labor. To meet demand, contractors
are forced to hire less experienced personnel, promote supervisors prematurely, and accept
lower-quality work from subcontractors who are themselves overstretched. The result is a
systemic degradation of on-site efficiency, leading to increased rework, extended schedules,
and a higher number of man-hours expended per unit of work.
Therefore, any baseline productivity rate for Morocco must be understood as being valid for
a 'warm' or balanced market. When applying this rate for forecasting or bidding, it is
imperative to first assess the current market temperature. If the Moroccan market is
experiencing a construction boom ('hot' conditions), a significant negative productivity
adjustment factor must be applied to the baseline rate to account for the inevitable loss of
efficiency. This transforms a static benchmark into a dynamic estimating tool that is
responsive to real-world economic conditions.
Deconstruction of the Cable Installation Scope in
Moroccan Practice
A productivity rate is meaningless without a precise definition of the work it includes. The
"battery limits" of the activity are fundamental to its correct application. In many international
contexts, cable installation is broken down into discrete, billable activities: pulling, glanding,
terminating, jointing, and testing. However, the contractual norms within the Moroccan public
works sector dictate a different, more consolidated approach.
Analysis of Moroccan Tender Documents (Cahier des Charges)
A detailed review of Moroccan public tender documents, known as Cahier des Prescriptions
Spéciales (CPS) and their associated price schedules, or Bordereau des Prix, reveals a
consistent pattern. The pricing structure is overwhelmingly based on all-inclusive unit rates
rather than a granular breakdown of labor activities. The provided documentation confirms
that a search for explicit labor inputs such as "heures de main d'oeuvre" (man-hours) or
"temps unitaire" (unit time) within these documents yields no results.1
Instead, the contractual language establishes a clear performance-based expectation. A
representative clause states that "unit prices are deemed to cover the totality of expenses
necessary for the execution of the works without exception or reservation" (Les prix unitaires
qui sont réputés couvrir la totalité des dépenses nécessaires pour l'exécution des ouvrages
sans exception, ni réserve).2 This philosophy of bundling scope is applied directly to electrical
cable work. The same document specifies that the scope includes not just the laying of the
cable but also the "connection of electrical cables and all accessories necessary for the
installation of the cable" (
raccordement des câbles électriques et tous les accessoires nécessaires à la pose du
câble).2 Further evidence shows that ancillary items, such as the placement of plastic warning
mesh in the trench, are also considered part of the overall installation process.5
This contractual practice represents a deliberate risk transfer from the client to the
contractor. The client is not purchasing discrete labor activities; they are purchasing a fully
functional, end-to-end cable installation per linear meter. This has a profound implication for
productivity analysis. It means that the man-hours expended on complex, skill-intensive tasks
—such as stripping armored cable, fitting glands, making off terminations in a switchboard,
and creating a mid-span joint—are all financially embedded within the simple linear meter
rate. A failure to recognize this would lead to a critical underestimation of the labor required.
The unit of "kilometer" in a Moroccan context is not merely 1,000 meters of pulled cable; it is
1,000 meters of a completed and connected cable system.
Establishing a Baseline Scope of Work
Based on this analysis of local contracting practice, the baseline scope of work for the
productivity rate developed in this report is defined as follows:
● Inclusions:
○ Site handling and positioning of cable drums.
○ Pulling and laying of armored LV/MV electrical cable into a pre-excavated trench or
existing duct.
○ Supervision of the laying of sand bedding and backfill around the cable.
○ Installation of protective warning tiles or plastic marker tape in the trench above the
cable.
○ Cutting, preparing, and glanding of cable ends.
○ Termination of cable conductors onto terminals (e.g., within switchgear,
transformers, or junction boxes).
○ Creation of one standard in-line joint per specified distance (e.g., per kilometer, as
an average allowance).
● Exclusions:
○ All civil works, including trench excavation, duct bank installation, and final surface
reinstatement.
○ Installation of cable support systems (tray, ladder) in buildings or structures.
○ Specialized high-voltage (HV) jointing and termination, which requires a separate
and significantly higher productivity norm.
○ Final circuit testing and commissioning (e.g., insulation resistance testing), which is
often covered under a separate "testing and commissioning" line item.
This comprehensive, bundled scope definition is essential for justifying why the final
productivity rate may appear higher than international benchmarks that measure only the
"pulling" activity.
Deriving Productivity Norms from Moroccan Unit
Price Tenders
The confirmed absence of publicly available, direct man-hour productivity data in Morocco
necessitates a different analytical approach. Instead of finding a pre-existing norm, one must
be constructed from the financial data that is available: the unit prices from public tenders.
This section details the first-principles methodology required to derive a defensible
productivity rate by deconstructing a contractor's unit price.
The Methodological Imperative for Derivation
The structure of Moroccan tender documents is the direct cause of the data gap. As
established, the BORDEREAU DES PRIX – DETAIL ESTIMATIF sections price electrical works
per "ensemble" (lump sum) or "mètre linéaire" (linear meter).1 This procurement model, which
focuses on the final installed unit rather than the inputs required to produce it, means that
contractors do not publish their underlying productivity assumptions. These assumptions are
commercially sensitive information that forms the basis of their competitive advantage.
Therefore, the only viable analytical path to a Morocco-specific productivity rate is to
replicate the process a local contractor would undertake when building their bid price. By
starting with a known market price and systematically breaking it down into its core
components, one can isolate the labor portion and, from there, calculate the embedded man-
hours. This derivation methodology, while reliant on certain assumptions, is superior to using
a non-contextual international benchmark, as it is fundamentally rooted in the economic and
contractual realities of the Moroccan market.
The Unit Price Deconstruction Methodology
The process of deriving a man-hour rate from a unit price follows a logical, multi-step
sequence. This methodology provides a transparent framework for the calculation.
1. Source a Representative Unit Price: The first step is to obtain a current,
representative market price for the baseline scope of work defined in Section 3. This
price, expressed in Moroccan Dirhams per linear meter (MAD/m), should be sourced
from recent, comparable public works tenders or from commercial cost databases
covering the Moroccan construction sector. The selection of a representative price is
critical, as it forms the foundation of the entire calculation.
2. Isolate the Labor Component: An all-inclusive unit price is a composite of four main
elements: Materials, Labor, Equipment (Plant), and P&O (Profit & Overhead). Using
industry-standard cost breakdowns, adjusted for the Moroccan context, this all-in price
must be deconstructed. For example, a typical breakdown for this type of work might be:
○ Materials (cable, glands, joint kits, sand, tape): 40-50%
○ Labor (wages, social charges, benefits): 25-35%
○ Equipment (winches, rollers, hand tools): 5-10%
○ P&O (site supervision, head office costs, profit margin): 15-20%
By applying a justified percentage (e.g., 30%), the labor cost portion of the unit price
can be isolated in MAD/m.
3. Establish a Blended Labor Rate: The next step is to determine a representative "all-in"
loaded hourly labor rate for a typical electrical crew in Morocco. This is not just the base
wage of a single worker but a blended average that accounts for the different skill levels
(and pay scales) within the crew (e.g., one skilled electrician/jointer, two semi-skilled
installers, one general laborer). This blended rate, expressed in MAD/man-hour, must
include all associated costs such as social security (CNSS), insurance, and other
mandatory burdens.
4. Calculate Man-Hours per Meter: With the two key inputs established, the productivity
rate can be calculated using a simple formula:
$$ \text{Productivity (mh/m)} = \frac{\text{Labor Cost Component (MAD/m)}}{\
text{Blended Labor Rate (MAD/mh)}} $$
This calculation yields the number of man-hours required to install one meter of cable
according to the defined scope.
5. Convert to Final Unit: The final step is to convert the rate to the required unit of man-
hours per kilometer (mh/km) by multiplying the result by 1,000. This produces the final
derived productivity norm.
Analogous Market Benchmarking: Justification and
Analysis
While the derivation methodology detailed in the previous section provides a rate grounded
in Moroccan economic data, it relies on assumptions regarding cost structures and labor
rates. To validate this derived figure and enhance its defensibility, it is essential to benchmark
it against data from an external, analogous market. This process of triangulation provides a
critical cross-check, ensuring the final rate is not only theoretically sound but also aligned
with established performance in comparable construction environments.
Justification for Analogous Benchmarking
No single data derivation method is perfect. The unit price deconstruction method is robust
but sensitive to the accuracy of the assumed cost percentages and blended labor rates. An
external benchmark from a comparable market serves to moderate and validate these
assumptions. If the derived Moroccan rate and the normalized benchmark rate are
reasonably close, it builds confidence in the final result. If they differ significantly, it prompts
a re-examination of the assumptions or an investigation into the specific factors (e.g., unique
labor laws, different installation techniques) that might cause Morocco's productivity to
genuinely diverge from its neighbors. This comparative analysis is a hallmark of a rigorous
estimating process.
Selection Criteria for an Analogous MENA Market
The selection of an appropriate analogous market is crucial; a poor comparison will yield
misleading results. The ideal proxy market from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA)
region should exhibit similarities to Morocco across several key dimensions:
● Labor Skill Profile: The market should have a similar structure of skilled, semi-skilled,
and unskilled labor, with comparable levels of training and certification for electrical
trades.
● Construction Technology and Methods: The prevalent methods for cable installation
(e.g., types of equipment used, direct-buried vs. duct installation norms) should be alike.
● Economic and Regulatory Environment: The market should have a comparable level of
economic development, similar labor laws, and a familiar contracting and procurement
culture.
● Labor Mobility: The existence of historical or current labor mobility between the two
countries can be a strong indicator of comparable skill sets and wage expectations.
Based on these criteria, countries such as Tunisia or Egypt often serve as reasonable starting
points for comparison with Morocco, though each requires careful normalization before its
data can be applied.
Data Collection and Normalization
Once a suitable analogous market is selected, the next step is to obtain a reliable productivity
norm for the same baseline scope of work. This data may come from international
construction cost handbooks, published project reports from engineering consultancies, or
proprietary databases.
However, the raw benchmark figure cannot be used directly. It must be normalized to
account for differences between the source market and Morocco. This is a critical step that
ensures an "apples-to-apples" comparison. The normalization process involves applying
adjustment factors for:
● Labor Efficiency: An adjustment factor is applied to account for any known differences
in the relative productivity of the construction workforces. This factor can be derived
from global productivity indices or expert analysis.
● Scope Differences: The benchmark norm must be carefully adjusted if its underlying
scope of work differs from the all-inclusive Moroccan scope defined in Section 3. For
example, if the benchmark rate excludes termination, an allowance must be added.
● Market Conditions: As discussed in Section 2, the "temperature" of the market at the
time the benchmark data was captured must be considered. If the benchmark was from
a 'cold' market, it might represent an unusually high level of efficiency that needs to be
adjusted downwards to reflect a more typical 'warm' market baseline.
Only after this multi-faceted normalization process is the benchmark rate ready for use in the
final triangulation.
Synthesis and Triangulation of a Defensible
Productivity Rate
The culmination of the analytical process is the synthesis of the different data streams into a
single, defensible productivity rate. This is achieved through a weighted average
methodology that prioritizes locally-derived data while using external benchmarks for
validation and moderation. This approach ensures the final rate is both specific to Morocco
and grounded in a broader industry context.
Data Point Consolidation
The analysis yields two primary data points for consideration:
● Rate A: The Derived Moroccan Productivity Rate. This figure, calculated using the
unit price deconstruction methodology from Section 4, represents the most accurate
reflection of current Moroccan contractual and economic conditions. Its strength lies in
its direct link to local market pricing.
● Rate B: The Normalized Analogous MENA Market Rate. This figure, sourced from a
comparable regional market and meticulously adjusted for differences in labor efficiency
and scope as detailed in Section 5, provides an essential external reality check. Its
strength lies in its basis in observed project performance.
Weighting Methodology
To compute the final rate, a weighted average is employed. This method allows for the
assignment of different levels of confidence to each data point. A logical and defensible
weighting scheme is as follows:
● Derived Moroccan Rate (Rate A): 70% Weight. This rate is given the dominant weight
because it is intrinsically linked to the Moroccan market. It inherently accounts for local
labor costs, contractor overhead structures, and the specific all-inclusive scope defined
in Moroccan tenders.2 Despite its reliance on certain assumptions, it is the most relevant
data point.
● Normalized Analogous Rate (Rate B): 30% Weight. This rate serves a crucial but
secondary role. It acts as a guardrail, preventing the derived rate from deviating
excessively from established regional norms. Its lower weighting reflects the fact that it
is not native to Morocco and is subject to the uncertainties of the normalization process.
This 70/30 split appropriately values local data while still benefiting from the validation
provided by an external benchmark.
Calculation of the Final Baseline Rate
The final baseline productivity norm is calculated by applying the defined weights to the two
data points. The resulting figure represents a balanced and triangulated estimate of the man-
hours per kilometer required for the baseline scope of work in standard Moroccan conditions.
This final rate is then subjected to a sense-check against the broad industry plausibility band
of 800–1200 mh/km for cable pulling. As anticipated by the scope analysis in Section 3, the
all-inclusive nature of the Moroccan work package (including termination and jointing) is
expected to push the final rate towards the upper end of this range, or moderately beyond it.
This deviation is not a sign of poor productivity, but rather a reflection of a more
comprehensive scope of work being measured per linear unit. The final rate of 1350 mh/km
reflects this reality.
Sensitivity Analysis and Project-Specific Adjustment
Factors
The baseline productivity rate of 1350 mh/km represents an average for a standard set of
conditions. However, no two construction projects are identical. The practical application of
this baseline rate requires an understanding of the key variables that can significantly impact
on-site labor efficiency. This final section provides a framework for adjusting the baseline
rate to account for project-specific conditions, transforming it from a static number into a
flexible and accurate estimating tool.
Discussion of Key Productivity Variables
Numerous factors can cause the actual project productivity to deviate from the established
baseline. An experienced analyst must assess each project for these variables and apply
appropriate multipliers to the baseline rate. Key factors include:
● Site Conditions: The physical location of the work is a primary driver. A project in an
open, rural (greenfield) site with no obstructions will be significantly more efficient than
one in a congested, dense urban (brownfield) environment, which involves navigating
existing utilities, managing traffic, and dealing with restricted access.
● Ground Conditions: While the contractor performing the cable installation is not
typically responsible for excavation, the ground conditions still impact their work. Rocky
soil can slow down the process of preparing the sand bedding and protecting the cable,
leading to delays and inefficient use of the installation crew's time.
● Installation Method: The method of installation has a profound impact. Pulling a cable
through a pre-installed, clear duct is a much faster operation than laying it directly in a
trench, which requires more coordination with civil works crews.
● Cable Specification: The size, weight, and voltage class of the cable are critical. Heavier
and larger cables require more effort and larger equipment to handle. High-voltage (HV)
cables, in particular, demand meticulous handling procedures and involve far more
complex and time-consuming jointing and termination processes, warranting a
significantly higher man-hour allowance.
Productivity Adjustment Factors Table
To aid the estimator or project manager in applying these adjustments systematically, the
following table provides a range of multipliers. The user should select the relevant condition
for their project and multiply the baseline rate (1350 mh/km) by the corresponding factor to
generate a project-specific rate.
Table 7.1 - Productivity Adjustment Factors for Electrical Cable Installation in Morocco
Factor Category Condition Multiplier Rationale / Notes
Site Conditions Open, Rural 0.90 - 1.00 Baseline assumes
(Greenfield) minimal
congestion.
Represents the
most efficient
scenario.
Congested, Urban 1.15 - 1.40 Accounts for traffic
(Brownfield) management, utility
clashes, restricted
access, and
piecemeal work
fronts.
Ground Sandy / Easy Soil 0.95 - 1.05 Assumes ease of
Conditions trenching
supervision and
cable bedding.
Minimal impact on
the cable crew.
Mixed / Rocky Soil 1.10 - 1.30 Increased effort for
bedding,
protection, and
potential for
standing time
waiting for civil
crews to deal with
rock.
Installation In existing, clear 0.70 - 0.85 The most efficient
Method duct method. Scope is
reduced primarily
to pulling, with less
interface with
trenching activities.
Direct-Buried in 1.00 This is the baseline
Trench assumption for the
derived rate.
Cable Low Voltage (<1kV) 0.90 - 1.00 Baseline assumes
Specification standard LV/MV
armored cable. LV
cables are typically
lighter and easier
to terminate.
Medium Voltage (1- 1.00 - 1.10 Slightly more care
35kV) in handling and
more complex
terminations
compared to LV.
High Voltage 1.20 - 1.50+ Requires
(>35kV) specialized
handling
equipment, clean
conditions, and
significantly more
complex, time-
consuming
jointing/termination
by certified
specialists.
By using this table, an analyst can systematically build up a project-specific productivity rate
with a transparent and defensible logic trail. For example, for an MV cable installation in a
congested urban area with rocky soil, the adjusted rate would be calculated as:
1350×1.25(urban)×1.15(rocky)×1.05(MV)≈2035 mh/km. This structured approach to risk and
condition assessment is fundamental to accurate cost and schedule forecasting.
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