Overview of the Fes Building Collapse

In a devastating incident that has shaken the community of Fes, a residential building collapsed, resulting in the tragic loss of seven lives. The building, which consisted of a basement and four upper floors, was located in the "Jrandi Ain Naqbi" neighborhood within the "Jnan Al-Ward" district. According to Adeb Ben Ibrahim, the State Secretary to the Minister of National Land Planning, Urbanism, Housing, and City Policy, the collapse was attributed to unauthorized construction practices. This revelation underscores the ongoing issue of unregulated building in the region, which has claimed numerous victims over the years.

Government Response and Future Measures

In his statement to the media, Ben Ibrahim confirmed the rising death toll and mentioned that while the exact number of injured individuals remains unreported, local authorities had earlier indicated that six individuals were injured in the collapse. He pointed out that residents of old, unlicensed buildings are often the primary victims of such disasters. This problem is not confined to Fes alone; it extends to other major cities, including Casablanca. The government has been proactive in addressing these issues, having signed agreements since 2010 aimed at identifying and rectifying these precarious structures. A follow-up agreement between 2016 and 2020 targeted around 500 buildings, yet many remain unassessed.

Meetings have been convened at the regional level with officials from Fes, Tangier, and Casablanca to develop a comprehensive strategy for assessing and addressing the conditions of these buildings. These discussions included local governors and municipality heads from several cities, including Marrakech, to coordinate efforts in establishing a systematic approach to tackle informal settlements and buildings at risk of collapse. The Minister of Interior has issued a directive urging local authorities to commence a thorough assessment of these structures.

Additionally, Ben Ibrahim addressed the legal framework surrounding deteriorating buildings, specifically Law No. 94.12, which governs the procedures for urban renewal and the responsibilities of local and regional committees evaluating these buildings. These committees, which comprise various local officials, are tasked with exploring financial and social solutions for affected residents. The recent meetings held during Ramadan represent a significant step toward activating this law, which has remained dormant since its inception. The collaboration with the Ministry of Interior aims to devise sustainable solutions to end the legacy of informal construction that has persisted for decades.

As reported by hespress.com.