Agadir's Coastal Restoration Efforts Intensify
In a decisive move to combat the alarming rise of illegal constructions and chaotic land occupations that mar the picturesque Agadir coastline, local authorities in Agadir Ida-Outanane have ramped up their efforts to reclaim the maritime public domain. This expansive initiative encompasses a comprehensive demolition campaign aimed at clearing the beaches and restoring legal order while preserving the coastal heritage. The operations are part of a broader strategy to eliminate persistent encroachments and illegal exploitation of public property.
The provincial directorate of Equipment and Water in Agadir has launched a significant operation designed to rid the maritime public domain of unlawful occupations. This endeavor spans various coastal areas across multiple municipalities, focusing on two main objectives. Firstly, it aims to scientifically delineate the coastline by establishing clear cartographies based on geodetic coordinates. Secondly, it seeks to enforce the stipulations of Law No. 81.12 concerning coastal management, which mandates a minimum setback of 100 meters for any construction.
As reported, this resolute initiative is a response to the ongoing attempts to occupy and exploit public property illegally. The phenomenon has unfortunately intensified following the issuance of an inter-ministerial circular on May 17, 2018, which transferred the authority for managing and administering beaches to local municipalities. Earlier this year, local authorities conducted similar large-scale operations, extending from the northern outskirts of Agadir to the vicinity of Tiznit. In the coastal area of Imessouane, a popular destination within the prefecture, bulldozers swiftly demolished unauthorized cafes, restaurants, and kiosks that had been constructed without legal permission. Initially, this phase of the project targeted around a hundred illegal structures after authorities had compelled occupants to vacate sites where homes, buildings, and huts had been erected, thus distorting the iconic landscape of the beach.
Previously, the focus had been on the Imourrane beach, located within the Aourir municipality, which was liberated from all illegal occupations. This operation successfully expelled dozens of individuals who had privatized beach access through unauthorized constructions such as cafes, restaurants, and surf schools, effectively blocking all pathways to the beach. The ongoing restoration efforts highlight the commitment of the authorities to uphold the rule of law and ensure that the coastal areas remain accessible to the public.
As reported by fr.le360.ma.
