The Deterioration of Urban Green Spaces in Fes
In recent years, public parks in Fes, Morocco, have transformed from envisioned green havens into neglected spaces plagued by decay and disrepair. Despite substantial budgets allocated for their development, the reality on the ground tells a different story. Observations from various parks, including the public park of Oued Fes and the Andalusian Gardens, reveal a distressing state characterized by dry grass, non-functioning fountains, heaps of litter, broken children's play equipment, and the disappearance of essential facilities. These areas, which were intended to be a refuge for residents, are now suffering from clear signs of neglect and degradation.
Along the main road connecting Fes to Meknes, known locally as the 'Meknes Road', several green spaces are scattered, yet their current conditions raise significant concerns among locals. The stark contrast between the parks’ intended purpose and their actual state is alarming, leading to questions regarding the management, oversight, and sustainability of these facilities after their inauguration. Footage captured by Le360 showcases scenes reminiscent of an open defect report: green areas devoid of life, stagnant water features that have become dumping grounds, and playgrounds that have lost their functionality due to damage and vandalism. Furthermore, many locations suffer from poor lighting and crumbling walkways, revealing a neglect that seems to have persisted for quite some time, even though some of these facilities were only completed two years ago.
Community Concerns and the Call for Action
In interviews conducted by Le360, numerous citizens expressed their frustration regarding the current state of these public spaces, emphasizing that their continued deterioration denies the community a much-needed recreational outlet, particularly during the hot summer months. Many residents believe that the issues extend beyond physical damage; they also highlight inadequate lighting and a lack of regular maintenance, which necessitates immediate intervention from relevant authorities. Community members argue that ensuring the sustainability of these facilities requires ongoing maintenance, monitoring, and a collective awareness of the importance of preserving them, noting that the value of such projects does not end with their completion but lies in their ongoing ability to serve the community.
Bilal Ben Dawood, a civil activist, has called for a reassessment of how these spaces are managed, particularly given their location on a major roadway that serves as an entry point to Fes. He pointed out that the issue transcends individual parks, influencing the overall quality of urban spaces available to residents. Allowing these facilities to fall into disrepair negatively affects the visual appeal of the area, as well as the city's image as a whole. Ben Dawood criticized the practices of the company responsible for maintaining the green spaces, urging adherence to the commitments outlined in the maintenance contract. He asserted that maintenance should occur consistently and systematically, encompassing tasks such as irrigation, cleaning, tree pruning, and equipment upkeep, rather than waiting for deterioration before taking action. He emphasized the importance of involving the community in monitoring these spaces, treating them as public property that benefits everyone.
According to Ben Dawood, long-term management strategies must be in place to ensure the continuity of these facilities from the project's inception, rather than solely addressing issues as they arise. He urged local authorities to establish clear mechanisms for overseeing these spaces and maintaining their quality, asserting that the goal is not merely to add new parks but to ensure that existing ones remain functional and serve their intended purpose, especially as they represent crucial recreational outlets for the people of Fes.
While substantial budgets have been allocated for the creation of green spaces for citizens, the responsibility for their upkeep and maintenance remains a shared obligation. Allowing these areas to deteriorate after their establishment undermines their original purpose and renders the investments ineffective. The challenge lies in ensuring the maintenance and continued service of these facilities to the community.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
