Growing Concerns Over Illegal Construction Amid Upcoming Elections
According to a report by the Moroccan newspaper "Bayane Al-Youm," the municipality of Ain Chkef, located in the Moulay Yacoub province, has witnessed a significant rise in illegal construction activities. Various neighborhoods, such as Ouled Saleh, Ouled Kir, Ouled Ayad, Ouled Mohammed, Ouled Ma'arif, and Ouled Yzed, have transformed into bustling sites of unauthorized building, all occurring without the necessary legal permits. This surge in construction coincides with the lead-up to the 2026 legislative elections, raising questions about the motivations behind such developments.
The aforementioned report highlights that these construction projects have been ongoing throughout the election campaign, flouting urban planning standards and safety regulations. Many of these buildings lack basic quality and safety measures, rendering them uninhabitable and posing a direct threat to the future residents' lives. Furthermore, local activists have indicated that these violations extend to lands that do not fall within the boundaries of collective property, and there are ongoing clandestine well-digging activities taking place without prior authorization from the relevant authorities.
Local sources assert that some candidates are resorting to illicit methods to attract voters. They are enticing citizens with promises of expedited building and housing permits, as well as facilitating the issuance of electricity licenses, which had been on hold for an extended period but were released just days before the elections. This strategy is coupled with a concerning pattern of overlooking legal violations.
Infrastructure Challenges and Upcoming Events
In another development, the same publication reported on the closure of a section of National Road No. 27, which connects Sidi Kassem and Bab Tisra, for two months starting from September 30, 2026. This closure, necessitated by rock removal and slope stabilization work, is expected to impose additional costs on travel between Meknes and Sidi Kassem. While the closure is justified for safety reasons, it raises questions about the long-term effectiveness of the current works. Will the slope stabilization ultimately resolve the recurring issues of rockfalls at Bab Tisra, or will the road continue to require interventions each time the risk of falling rocks increases? Addressing this matter goes beyond merely reopening the section after the completion of the works; it is crucial to ensure the continuity of this vital road corridor without it becoming a bottleneck.
Additionally, "Al-Ahdath Maghribia" has reported that the city of Marrakech is gearing up to host the eighth edition of the Marrakech International Airshow 2026 at the Royal Military Academy's airbase in Marrakech. This year's event coincides with the tenth anniversary of this international fair, which specializes in the aviation and defense sectors. It is anticipated that over 200 exhibitors from 27 countries will participate, alongside official and professional delegations from numerous nations. The fair will also provide an opportunity for several prominent global companies operating in the aviation and defense sectors to showcase their offerings.
In another positive development, the province of Sefrou has opened at least 27 areas for communal and touristic hunting, covering approximately 60,000 hectares, ahead of the 2026-2027 hunting season, which has recently commenced in line with the legal provisions governing this activity.
As reported by hespress.com.
