Concerns Over Incomplete Projects in Casablanca-Settat
As the mandate of the Casablanca-Settat Regional Council approaches its conclusion in just six months, alarming reports indicate that only half of the anticipated milestones outlined in the Regional Development Program for 2022-2027 have been achieved. This revelation emerged during the Council's October session, where numerous members of the ruling majority expressed dissatisfaction over what they term "linguistic fraud" in the presentation of misleading results regarding this five-year plan. Disturbingly, a staggering 45% of the proposed projects have yet to see any initiation despite over four years of management. According to the October 7th edition of _Assabah_, the critique did not originate from the opposition, but rather from within the majority coalition, which includes the National Rally of Independents (RNI), the Authenticity and Modernity Party (PAM), and the Istiqlal Party (PI). This situation is particularly concerning given the limited time remaining to realize the objectives of this ambitious development initiative.
Critics from within the majority voiced their alarm over the widening gap between the intended implementation of the program and the tangible accomplishments, pointing out that nearly half of the projects and commitments have not even progressed to the implementation stage, despite being launched five years prior. They raised critical questions regarding the underlying reasons for these delays and the Council's capacity to convert agreements and available financial resources into actual results. Echoing sentiments expressed by the opposition, which has long highlighted numerous "dysfunctions" impeding project execution, the majority now shares these concerns. The implications of a recent political split between significant factions, referred to metaphorically as the divorce between the Tracteur and the Colombe, may have contributed to the stagnation observed. Furthermore, many agreements have failed to progress beyond the planning phase, let alone reach the execution stage.
Financial Implications of Stagnation
Recent data released during the October session revealed that the Council has approved 123 projects under the Regional Development Program, with a staggering budget allocation of 39 billion dirhams. However, the reality is that their implementation rate remains a mere 55% after more than four years of oversight. This raises pressing questions regarding the substantial budget dedicated to projects that have not progressed beyond the proposal stage. Such inquiries are especially pertinent given that the Casablanca-Settat region stands as the most significant in the Kingdom, both economically and demographically, with the successful execution of its development program serving as a potential national benchmark.
While the complexities of managing this program, given the multitude of stakeholders involved—including governmental sectors and local authorities—cannot be overlooked, the political accountability clearly lies with the current majority steering the Council. Recent modifications to agreements regarding potable water, sanitation, and the recycling of wastewater have highlighted that some projects were poorly conceptualized from the outset, further reinforcing criticism emerging from within the majority ranks. The call for accountability and effective governance in the management of these projects is more pressing than ever, as stakeholders and residents alike await meaningful outcomes from the promised initiatives.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
