Illegal Construction and Its Implications in Ain Chkef
In the lead-up to the 2026 legislative elections, the municipality of Ain Chkef, part of the Moulay Yacoub province, has witnessed a significant surge in illegal construction activities. Areas such as Ouled Salah, Ouled Kheir, Ouled Aiyad, Ouled Mohammed, Ouled Ma'arif, and Ouled Yzed have transformed into open construction sites where buildings are erected without the necessary legal permits. This alarming trend has raised concerns among local authorities and residents alike, particularly as it coincides with the election campaign period.
According to reports, these construction activities have been ongoing throughout the election campaign, flouting urban planning standards and safety regulations. The buildings in question lack basic quality and safety standards, rendering them uninhabitable and posing a direct threat to the future residents' safety. Furthermore, community activists have highlighted that these violations extend to lands not classified as collective property, with clandestine well drilling operations occurring without prior approval from the relevant authorities.
Local sources have indicated that some candidates are resorting to unscrupulous tactics to sway voters, enticing citizens with promises of granting construction and housing permits, as well as facilitating the issuance of electricity permits that had been stalled for an extended period—only to be released shortly before the elections. This leniency towards violations raises questions about the integrity of the electoral process.
Infrastructure Developments and Their Challenges
Additionally, the same publication reported on the closure of a section of National Road No. 27, which connects Sidi Kacem and Bab Tisra, for two months starting September 30, 2026. This closure, necessitated by rock removal and slope stabilization work, poses an additional burden on travel between Meknes and Sidi Kacem.
While the closure is justified on safety grounds, it raises concerns that extend beyond the duration of the project: will slope stabilization ultimately resolve the recurring issue of landslides at Bab Tisra? Or will the road continue to require frequent interventions whenever the risk of rock falls increases? This situation highlights the need not only for the road to reopen after the construction but also for the assurance of a vital transport corridor that does not become a persistent choke point.
In other news, "Les Échos de Marrakech" has announced that the city is gearing up to host the eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow at the Royal Schools Air Base. This event, which coincides with the tenth anniversary of this specialized international fair in aviation and defense, is expected to feature over 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, along with delegations from various nations. The airshow will also serve as a platform for numerous leading global companies operating in the aviation and defense sectors.
Moreover, it has been reported that the province of Sefrou has opened at least 27 areas for community and tourism hunting, covering approximately 60,000 hectares, as part of the 2026-2027 hunting season, which was recently inaugurated, in accordance with the legal provisions governing this activity.
As reported by hespress.com.
