Growing Concerns Over Justice Facilities in Marrakech
The local office of the National Union of Justice Employees in Marrakech has expressed grave concerns regarding what they describe as a "serious deterioration" of justice facilities within the city. In a statement shared with the media, they declared that the current situation has reached a point where silence and justification are no longer acceptable. The union highlighted that the dignity and safety of employees have become compromised due to aging infrastructure, inadequate health facilities, severe human resource shortages, unclear appointments, and unacceptable delays in resolving financial and administrative rights. This situation starkly contrasts with the official slogans often proclaimed.
According to the local union statement, numerous justice facilities in Marrakech lack even the most basic safety and dignity standards, suffering from cramped office spaces and neglect. For instance, the collection and execution unit at the Court of Appeal has been unusable for over a year and a half due to falling debris, with no intervention to address the issue. Additionally, the judicial pole at Bab Doukkala resembles an outdated historical building more than a functional justice facility. Most administrative offices at the primary administrative court are located in a cramped basement that lacks proper ventilation and dignity, signifying an implicit abandonment of a city that does not deserve such neglect.
Call for Immediate Action and Comprehensive Reforms
The statement further clarifies that Marrakech does not require temporary patches or recycled promises; rather, it demands decisive action that reflects a commitment to establishing a comprehensive judicial infrastructure befitting its status, putting an end to the current humiliating conditions. The union also raised alarms regarding the deplorable state of health facilities within various courts, especially at the Court of Appeal, where operations have nearly ground to a halt. Every temporary closure is met with shutdowns rather than repairs, highlighting a lack of accountability and oversight in addressing these issues.
Moreover, the local office condemned the chronic and severe shortage of human resources, which has transformed from a mere statistic into a daily burden that exhausts employees, forcing them to work beyond their capacity amidst a growing backlog of cases and increased responsibilities without regard for the dire resource shortfall. This troubling situation opens the door for employee accountability for mistakes that are genuinely the result of exhaustion, overwhelming case loads, and time constraints.
With regards to financial and administrative resolutions, the local office is demanding immediate and fair settlement of outstanding overtime claims across several Marrakech courts, alongside the disbursement of pending continuity payments. They are rejecting any delays or partial resolutions. The union has also criticized the unreasonable procrastination in addressing financial and administrative situations linked to promotions and professional competency exams, which are often shrouded in ambiguity and multiple processes without any comprehensive financial impact.
Furthermore, the local office has observed deep-rooted mismanagement issues within the social services institution and its facilities in Marrakech, ranging from delays in member card issuance to recurrent system malfunctions and a lack of clear communication channels. They have also denounced the poor quality of services provided at recreational centers and the unjust restrictions placed on local union members, infringing upon their rights to advocate for their constituents.
Finally, the local union office has called upon the Ministry of Justice to take responsibility for the ongoing situation, particularly amid stalled projects and lengthy construction timelines, emphasizing the need for urgent intervention to repair and rehabilitate the judicial buildings in Marrakech. They demand a comprehensive judicial project that reflects the city's stature, rather than relying on temporary fixes and partial solutions. The union has reiterated the necessity of enhancing human resources in Marrakech's courts to meet the actual needs of each department, ensuring the smooth operation of judicial services while safeguarding employees from professional and psychological exhaustion.
As reported by akhbarona.com.
