Local Authorities Address Waste Management Concerns
The regional directorate for the environment in the Marrakech-Safi region has taken note of the recent concerns raised by the local population of Ait Ourir regarding the health and environmental hazards associated with the waste dump located in their area. In response to a formal communication regarding these issues, the directorate confirmed that it had forwarded the complaint to the local governor of Al Haouz. The intention behind this action is to send a mixed technical committee to inspect the dump site, collect relevant technical data, and assess the claims and damages reported by the community.
Community Health Risks Highlighted
In August, local stakeholders in Ait Ourir expressed their outrage over the foul odors emanating from the unregulated waste dump, warning of the potential environmental and health repercussions. A recent complaint submitted to the Public Prosecution at the Marrakech Court of Appeal, as well as various governmental bodies including the Ministry of the Interior, the Ministry of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development, and the National Human Rights Council, brought attention to the fact that this waste dump is situated within dense residential areas, posing significant risks to the health and safety of citizens.
The complaint emphasized the noxious odors, smoke, and gases resulting from the accumulation and burning of waste, which have persisted for over three decades. Furthermore, it pointed out that the dump is located in an ecologically sensitive area along the banks of Oued Zat. There are serious concerns regarding the leaching of toxic leachate and pollutants into the soil and water over the years, which could severely harm the ecosystem and natural resources. The potential threats to local flora and fauna, as well as the quality of the air, have been deemed extremely alarming.
As reported by hespress.com.
