The environmental situation surrounding the Oued Mehraz in Fez has raised significant concerns, leading to a parliamentary inquiry directed at Leila Benali, the Minister of Energy Transition and Sustainable Development. Ikram El Hanawi, a parliamentary representative from the Progress and Socialism group in the Fez-Meknes region, submitted a formal written question regarding the deteriorating environmental conditions affecting the river.
In her inquiry, El Hanawi emphasized that the residential areas adjacent to Oued Mehraz, which traverses Fez from south to north over a distance of more than four kilometers, are experiencing a serious decline in environmental quality. This river runs parallel to the Sefrou Road and eventually merges with the Boufkran River, creating a confluence that further exacerbates the pollution issues. The parliamentary representative highlighted that the river has effectively transformed into an environmental disaster zone, posing a real threat to the health and safety of nearby residents. The unpleasant odors, as well as the increasing populations of rodents and insects, particularly during the summer months when temperatures rise, have become intolerable. This situation has been further aggravated by the accumulation of various types of waste along the river's course.
El Hanawi stressed that the current circumstances, which signal an escalating risk of health and environmental hazards, have led local civil society organizations, alongside affected residents, to call for urgent action to address this environmental catastrophe. They are advocating for a comprehensive project aimed at cleaning and rehabilitating the river, tackling sources of pollution, and establishing preventive measures to ensure environmental sustainability and the health of citizens.
In light of these pressing concerns, El Hanawi questioned Minister Benali about the steps and measures that her ministry intends to implement to address what is regarded as one of the most critical environmental issues facing the historic city of Fez.
As reported by ar.le360.ma.
