Illegal Construction and Its Implications in Ain Chkef
The city of Ain Chkef, located within the Moulay Yacoub province, has recently witnessed a significant surge in illegal construction activities. Numerous neighborhoods, including Oulad Saleh, Oulad Keir, Oulad Ayyad, Oulad Mohammed, Oulad Ma'arif, and Oulad Yezid, have effectively transformed into open construction sites, where buildings are being erected without the necessary legal permits. This alarming trend coincides with the lead-up to the 2026 legislative elections, raising serious questions about regulatory compliance and public safety.
According to reports, the construction activities have persisted throughout the election campaign, blatantly disregarding urban planning standards and safety regulations. Many of these structures lack essential quality and safety measures, rendering them uninhabitable and posing a direct threat to the future residents' lives. Local civil society activists indicate that these infractions extend beyond mere building violations, encompassing land that does not fall under the jurisdiction of collective lands, alongside the covert drilling of wells without prior authorization from relevant authorities.
Sources within the community have highlighted the unethical practices employed by certain candidates who resort to dubious means to sway voters. This includes enticing citizens with promises of granting building and housing permits, as well as facilitating the issuance of electricity licenses that had been on hold for an extended period, only to be released shortly before the elections. Such tactics, alongside a culture of overlooking violations, have raised significant concerns about the integrity of the electoral process.
Impact of Infrastructure Projects and Future Developments
In a related development, the closure of a section of National Road No. 27, linking Sidi Kassem and Bab Tisra, for two months beginning September 30, 2026, has been announced. This closure is attributed to ongoing rock removal and slope stabilization works, leading to additional costs for transportation between Meknes and Sidi Kassem. While the rationale behind the closure is rooted in safety measures, the current construction raises questions about the long-term viability of the route. Will the slope stabilization effectively resolve the recurring issue of rockslides at Bab Tisra, or will the road continue to necessitate frequent interventions each time the risk of falling rocks escalates? This situation underscores the importance of not just reopening the road after construction but ensuring the continuity of this vital transport corridor without it becoming a bottleneck.
Furthermore, in another report, it has been announced that the city of Marrakech is preparing to host the eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow in 2026 at the Royal Schools Air Base. This event coincides with the tenth anniversary of this international exhibition focused on aviation and defense sectors. The 2026 edition is expected to feature over 200 exhibitors from 27 countries, along with the attendance of official and professional delegations from various nations. It will also serve as a platform for some of the most prominent companies operating within the aviation and defense industry.
Additionally, in the province of Sefrou, at least 27 areas have been opened for collective and tourism hunting, covering an area of approximately 60,000 hectares, marking the start of the 2026-2027 hunting season in line with the legal provisions governing this activity.
As reported by hespress.com.
