Fes Municipality Faces Criticism Over Project Funding
In a recent extraordinary session, the Fes municipal council, led by Mayor Abdel Salam Boucali, has come under fire for allocating a staggering budget of approximately 900 million dirhams towards various projects. Critics argue that these initiatives are not only misaligned with the needs of the local population but also lack tangible benefits for the community at large. As 2026 unfolds, the municipality has been financing projects that appear to prioritize grandiosity over practicality, such as the construction of a hockey stadium that is projected to cost billions, mirroring the expenses of similar facilities in Rabat. Additionally, plans to renovate the Hassan II Stadium with a budget of 40 billion centimes and the establishment of a training center for football players benefiting the local club, Maghreb de Fès, costing 10 billion centimes, have raised significant eyebrows among residents.
Debate Over New Bus Station Location
One of the most contentious projects is the proposed new bus station, with an estimated cost of 30 billion centimes, set to occupy a six-hectare land area. This endeavor aims to replace the old station at Bab Boujloud, but it has incited heated debates between the ruling majority and opposition factions. Mohammed Khai, head of the Justice and Development party within the council, has voiced concerns that the new bus station may not serve the interests of the local populace, particularly those from lower-income backgrounds who would be compelled to pay at least 40 dirhams for a taxi to reach the facility. He emphasizes the need for the project to be located within the municipal territory, ideally at a point that connects all six districts, to effectively promote local development and cater to the needs of the target community. Furthermore, council member Majda Benarbiya has criticized the decision to locate the bus station outside the urban core, arguing that this will only exacerbate the hardships faced by commuters and local professionals. She has also pointed out the absence of a participatory approach in the project's planning, raising questions about the decision-making process involved.
As reported by alousboue.ma.
