Residents Demand Focus on Essential Sanitation Projects
The recent renovation works on the streets of Douar Bla in the Ouled Widan area, located on the outskirts of Marrakech, have sparked significant dissatisfaction among local residents. They argue that these improvements, which involve the use of adhesive stones (paving), do not align with the region's pressing needs, particularly in light of the persistent absence of a sewage network. This lack of proper sanitation infrastructure has been a long-standing issue for the community.
In a statement to the newspaper “Al-Amq,” community activist Nour Eddine Hablawi emphasized that the priority should have been assigned to the sewage project instead. He raised questions about the practicality of paving the streets at this moment, especially considering that future installation of sewage pipes may necessitate breaking the newly laid pavement, rendering the current works unsustainable and potentially wasting public funds.
Hablawi's concerns highlight a fundamental issue regarding the order of priorities in community projects. He noted that the commencement of paving works without the implementation of the sewage project raises doubts about the decision-making process, particularly as residents fear the need for future reconstruction could lead to additional costs. While several inhabitants do not oppose the idea of street renovations, they emphasize the importance of a logical sequence in project execution that ensures the durability and quality of the work.
This topic has generated considerable discussion on social media platforms, with numerous citizens expressing their discontent over the current approach. They are calling for more attention to be given to foundational infrastructure initiatives that directly affect their quality of life.
As the absence of a sewage network continues to pose daily challenges for residents, Hablawi pointed out that they face ongoing difficulties related to wastewater disposal, which significantly impacts public hygiene, health, and environmental conditions. He characterized the decision to pave the streets as superficial and misaligned with the actual needs of the community.
According to a work program reviewed by “Al-Amq,” approximately 20 million dirhams have been allocated for the sewage connection project aimed at neighboring areas. This initiative has entered its administrative phase following the announcement of the bidding process, under a partnership involving the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, the local council, and the Ouled Widan community.
In light of these circumstances, the Ouled Widan Development Association has formally communicated with the President of the Marrakech-Safi Regional Council, requesting a reevaluation of the scheduled project priorities. They have urged that the sewage connection project be prioritized before any further renovation works commence, asserting that this initiative is crucial from both an environmental and health perspective, considering its direct implications for the residents' living conditions.
The correspondence also stressed the necessity of postponing the street renovation and paving efforts until the essential infrastructure is complete, thereby avoiding future project redundancies and the associated financial waste. Furthermore, they called for enhanced coordination among various stakeholders to ensure project coherence and the prudent management of public expenditures.
As reported by al3omk.com.
