Morocco Launches Probe into Building Permit Irregularities in Major Cities

Are commune presidents in the hot seat? The competent authorities of the Ministry of Interior have reportedly sent them requests for explanation regarding irregularities in the procedure for issuing occupancy permits, according to sources at Hespress, emphasizing that under Article 64 of the organic law on local authorities, they could be dismissed if the facts are established.

Heads of urban planning departments and technicians in charge of digitizing building permits could also be concerned by these administrative investigations. They are accused of forgery in building permit files. According to the same sources, the requests for explanation are based on reports from inspection commissions under the General Inspection of Territorial Administration, which evaluate compliance with construction regulations by commune presidents.

In these requests for explanation, the Ministry of Interior services have reproached the concerned officials for their laxity in granting occupancy permits, suspecting them of corruption. Irregularities were also noted in the issuance of building and renovation permits, as well as housing compliance certificates. In this case, a relaxation of controls was observed, which has favored the proliferation of illegal constructions.

Ongoing investigations have revealed that architects have rented their seals to technicians in urban planning services for amounts up to 5,000 dirhams. Other irregularities noted concern the covering of illegal constructions with rehabilitation permits. The presidents of the concerned communes risk dismissal.