Morocco’s Building Permit Scandal: Coastal Chaos and Political Corruption

According to investigations carried out by the competent authorities in the Casablanca-Settat and Marrakech-Safi regions, several communes would have taken advantage of the summer season to issue building permits outside any legal framework. Thus, constructions have been authorized above water pipes, sewage networks and telecommunication lines on the coast of El Jadida, reports Hespress.

In the outskirts of Casablanca, particularly in Nouaceur, Berrechid and Médiouna, projects have been carried out without taking into account the current development plans, while some agricultural land has been diverted for industrial purposes. Former elected officials and others still in office would be involved in these practices, indicate sources, recalling that the Ministry of the Interior can request the dismissal of commune presidents and their deputies in the event of proven fraud.

This approach has been recorded on several occasions in recent months, where walis and governors have requested the dismissal of commune presidents accused of similar practices. The elected officials concerned are required to respond to the written requests for explanation addressed to them within a fixed deadline. In the event of no response or arguments deemed insufficient, the administrative courts are seized to rule on an interim basis.

The reports of the General Inspection of Territorial Administration mention fraud practices such as the backdating of documents or the prior preparation of permits intended to be discreetly distributed. However, the Ministry of the Interior had warned against violations of the Urban Planning Code, adding that offenders are liable to criminal prosecution.