Morocco wants to end clandestine transport in rural areas

Deputy Mohamed Mohadab (PAM) questioned the Minister of Transport, Abdessamad Kayouh, on this issue, regretting the lack of legal alternatives for inhabitants of remote areas. "There is no other choice for citizens than to resort to clandestine transport to meet their daily needs," he said, wondering about the means to legalize and secure this sector.

The Minister of Transport acknowledged the essential role played by these transporters, describing them as "soldiers on the ground". He admitted that these individuals, far from being mere outlaws, form an indispensable network for supplying villages. Abdessamad Kayouh, however, acknowledged that the reform of the mixed transport sector, intended to provide a solution, is progressing "at an insufficient speed". He called for close collaboration between his ministry and the Ministry of the Interior to supervise these workers and guarantee their rights as well as those of passengers.

"Clandestine transport plays a role in providing the daily livelihoods of village inhabitants, and we are determined to examine the safety and quality standards that will allow us to integrate them into the transport system in a secure manner," the minister said.

Concretely, the government is considering granting licenses to the "khattafa" in order to integrate them into the mixed transport system. This measure aims to legalize their activity, ensure them a stable income and improve passenger safety. The minister assured that priority would be given to transporters meeting the required criteria and that the government is committed to finding sustainable solutions, away from the clientelist practices that have long plagued the sector.