The city of Marrakech recently witnessed a significant protest in front of the bus station located in the Al-Azouziya neighborhood, organized by the local coordination against corruption. This demonstration aimed to demand a swift investigation into the legal proceedings associated with the new bus station project, which has sparked widespread controversy within professional and human rights circles.
In a statement to the news outlet "Anbaa TV," Mohamed Ghlousi, the president of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Funds, highlighted that this protest is part of a broader call for a comprehensive investigation into the project. He pointed out that a budget of approximately 1.2 billion dirhams was allocated for the initiative, yet construction has been completed for some time without any official opening to date.
Ghlousi emphasized that professionals in the transport sector are vehemently opposed to relocating to the new station, arguing that the project had been executed without their involvement or consultation, which is essential for a participatory approach. He also raised concerns about suspicions of corruption and mismanagement of public funds surrounding the project, in addition to allegations that certain elected officials and responsible parties are exploiting the project for personal gain.
Moreover, Ghlousi noted that the project was included in the "Marrakech, the Renewed Capital" program; however, it has reportedly experienced frequent delays. He also mentioned the local public's astonishment over the conversion of a property that was originally designated for small and large taxi parking into a private investment project. According to him, the persistence of such irregularities constitutes a barrier to development amidst ongoing issues of corruption, bribery, and abuse of power.
In conclusion, the president of the Moroccan Association for the Protection of Public Funds reiterated the necessity of expanding the investigation into this project as well as the "Marrakech, the Renewed Capital" program, calling for accountability for anyone found complicit in these irregularities.
As reported by anbaetv.ma.
