Overcrowding Crisis in Marrakech's Tax Administration Due to Cleanliness Tax
The Moroccan Association for Human Rights has expressed its deep concern over what it calls the "tragic situation" surrounding the collection of the cleanliness tax in Marrakech, which impacts more than 220,000 families. This predicament has arisen following a decision to centralize payment windows within the tax administration located on Allal El Fassi Street. The association's local office issued a statement highlighting that the significant number of families required to pay this tax has led to unprecedented pressure on the administration, which is now forced to manage all payment operations in a single, cramped facility ill-equipped to accommodate such a high volume of visitors.
The statement, which was reviewed by the newspaper "Al-Omq," noted that this decision resulted in "unprecedented overcrowding" within the administrative premises. Citizens are now compelled to endure lengthy waits, often stretching into several hours, to pay their taxes, all while experiencing conditions deemed "demeaning" that directly impact the dignity of those seeking services, especially given the absence of adequate organization and reception conditions.
Moreover, the association pointed out that this situation does not solely affect the public; it also places significant professional pressure on employees due to the overwhelming number of visitors and the insufficient human and logistical resources available. The current working conditions are said to contradict labor rights and adequate working conditions guaranteed by national laws.
The association noted that what it described as "chaotic administrative management" contradicts several legal and human rights references, including the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights and provisions of the Moroccan Constitution that emphasize the need to bring the administration closer to the citizen and ensure the right to access quality public services. It also highlighted the provisions of the Civil Service Framework Law and Labor Law.
In this context, the human rights group has called for an immediate halt to the policy of centralizing tax collection services within a single administration. It urged for a fair distribution of administrative burdens across various departments to alleviate pressure on the current administration and ensure smoother service delivery to citizens.
Additionally, the organization called for the urgent activation of the regional administration in the Tarka area, particularly the issuance department, reinforcing it with adequate human resources and necessary technical equipment to improve working conditions and facilitate the processing of citizens' files.
Regarding reception areas within the administration, the rights group demanded the establishment of appropriate conditions that preserve citizens' dignity and ensure they receive decent public service. It argued that the continuation of the current situation perpetuates a negative image of public administration and contradicts official discourses related to administrative reform and modernization.
In conclusion, the association holds the regional administration and the responsible authorities fully accountable for what it termed the "deterioration" taking place. It warned that the ongoing overcrowding and poor reception conditions could lead to further social unrest and dissatisfaction among both citizens and employees.
As reported by al3omk.com.
