Morocco Launches Probe into Illegal Coastal Construction as Demolitions Continue

The investigation would aim to identify the officials who facilitated the administrative procedures for the owners of these houses and villas, or who have been negligent in allowing the persons concerned to settle on the public maritime domain. Several observers have applauded and encouraged the demolition of luxury houses and villas built on the beaches in Tetouan, Martil, Chefchaouen and other Moroccan cities, calling for strict enforcement of the law, it is recalled.

In Chefchaouen, the local authorities have mobilized the security forces to supervise these demolition operations and manage any possible protests. In Martil, the competent authorities have mobilized to support the vulnerable people, victims of these demolition operations, by finding them temporary housing. The services of the Ministry of the Interior are closely monitoring the progress of the demolition operations, according to sources.

These demolition operations are carried out in stages. First, the joint committees go to the field to detect cases of violation and count the number of buildings to be demolished. Then comes the actual demolition phase, after the decision of the Wali, in coordination with the competent prosecutor’s office, the security forces, the Royal Gendarmerie, the auxiliary forces and the civil protection services.