Dire Waste Management Situation in Fez's Merinid Districts
As of August 23, 2026, several neighborhoods within the Merinid district of Fez, including Bendbab, Al-Shara, Karyan, and Jnan Lhariqi, are grappling with a significant decline in sanitation standards. The pervasive presence of spontaneous waste disposal sites and the absence of waste bins in various locations have turned the surroundings of numerous homes and public spaces into dumping grounds, exacerbating unpleasant odors that intensify with the summer heat. A field tour across these neighborhoods reveals a disturbing sight of scattered garbage piles, prompting residents to question the efficacy of a new waste management contract valued at approximately 2.1 billion dirhams annually, which is supposed to address the clear deficiencies in sanitation that these areas continue to suffer from.
Community activist Youssef Shkra emphasizes that these popular neighborhoods are among those affected by marginalization and exclusion in terms of development. He highlights that the sanitation situation is one of the most glaring indicators of this issue, stating that despite the passage of over a year and a half since the new company responsible for waste management commenced operations, residents have yet to witness any significant improvement in cleanliness within their neighborhoods. In an interview with le360, he expressed concerns that the financial scope of the contract should have positively impacted the quality of services provided to the community. Shkra questions the presence of the promised tools and logistics detailed in the contract proposal, including equipment and techniques for tracking waste collection operations.
Community Calls for Action and Accountability
Shkra argues that the ongoing situation necessitates that the Fez municipal council actively fulfills its role in monitoring and ensuring compliance with the company's contractual obligations, particularly regarding the provision of waste bins, regular waste collection schedules, and the quality of services rendered. Local resident Mohamed El Hashimi faces the distressing sight of a waste hotspot directly outside his home, which has become a dumping point. This situation is particularly troubling as it is located near a mosque, compounding the issue with the noxious odors during the hot summer months. El Hashimi does not absolve residents of their responsibility in this predicament, acknowledging that the indiscriminate waste disposal behavior exhibited by some individuals contributes to worsening the situation. He asserts that addressing this phenomenon also requires changing these behaviors and enhancing awareness of the importance of respecting public spaces.
Moreover, El Hashimi believes that the current circumstances underscore the need for a reevaluation of management practices at several locations. He calls for the provision of adequate waste bins throughout different points and the assurance of consistent waste collection operations, alongside establishing a clear schedule for waste disposal that residents adhere to. He also advocates for initiating communication and awareness campaigns aimed at fostering more environmentally respectful behaviors within the urban landscape. This situation raises pertinent questions regarding the accountability of the Fez municipal council in overseeing the execution of the waste management contract and monitoring the compliance of the appointed company with its commitments as outlined in the service agreement, especially given that the allocated funds for the sector have raised citizens' expectations regarding the quality of services provided.
In light of the responsibilities of the waste management company, the role of the municipal council in oversight, and the accountability of citizens in adhering to waste disposal regulations, the residents of these neighborhoods face a daily reality that necessitates practical intervention to address the recorded discrepancies.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
