Rising Concerns Over Illegal Construction in Ain Chkef
The latest reports highlight a significant increase in illegal construction activities in the Ain Chkef municipality, located within the Moulay Yacoub region. This alarming trend has transformed areas such as Ouled Saleh, Ouled Kir, Ouled Ayad, and several others into open construction sites, where buildings are being erected without the necessary legal permits. This surge in unauthorized construction is coinciding with the lead-up to the 2026 legislative elections, raising concerns among local residents and authorities alike.
According to reports, these construction activities have been ongoing throughout the election campaign period, blatantly disregarding urban planning standards and safety regulations. The structures being erected lack basic quality and safety requirements, rendering them uninhabitable and posing a direct risk to the lives of future occupants. Activists have expressed alarm that these illegal constructions extend to lands not classified as collective lands, further complicating the situation.
Moreover, there are allegations that certain candidates have resorted to unethical tactics to sway voters, luring citizens with promises of building and housing permits, as well as facilitating long-stalled electricity licenses just days before the elections. Such practices undermine the integrity of the electoral process and raise questions about the commitment of local authorities to enforce regulations.
Infrastructure Challenges and Upcoming Events
In another development, the same publication reported the temporary closure of a section of National Road 27, connecting Sidi Kacem to Bab Tisra, for a duration of two months starting September 30, 2026. This closure is necessitated by rock removal and slope stabilization works, which are expected to add extra costs and complications to travel between Meknes and Sidi Kacem. While the closure is justified by safety concerns, it raises further questions about the long-term solution to the recurring issue of rockfalls in the area. The community is left wondering if stabilizing the slope will permanently resolve the problem or if the road will continue to require frequent interventions.
In addition to these pressing concerns, the city of Marrakech is preparing to host the eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow 2026 at the Royal Air Schools Air Base. This year’s event coincides with the tenth anniversary of this international exhibition focused on aviation and defense sectors. The event is expected to attract over 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, alongside official and professional delegations from various nations, and will also provide a platform for some of the world's leading companies in the aviation and defense industries.
Furthermore, in the region of Sefrou, at least 27 areas have been opened for collective and tourism hunting, covering nearly 60,000 hectares. This initiative marks the beginning of the hunting season for 2026-2027, in accordance with the legal provisions governing this activity, mirroring similar initiatives across the kingdom.
As reported by hespress.com.
