فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
The Municipal Council of Moulay Yacoub has issued a statement addressed to the local population and public opinion to clarify its position on the proposed agreement to relocate residents affected by buildings at risk of collapse in the red zone to the Ain Chkef commune within Moulay Yacoub Province.
Firstly, the council unanimously rejected the agreement during an extraordinary session held on Friday, May 23, 2025, upon the request of the Governor of Moulay Yacoub Province. The agreement proposed relocating 224 families from the red zone in Moulay Yacoub center to the Zlaik area in Ain Chkef commune. The council’s rejection was based on the agreement’s failure to respect residents’ rights, lack of clear social and housing guarantees, and disregard for the needs and concerns of the affected families.
Secondly, following this decision, the council received a letter from the Governor characterized by an unacceptable and threatening tone, rather than adopting a participatory approach with the elected body representing the affected population. The council considers this letter a violation of the principle of respecting the autonomy of local decision-making and contrary to the spirit of institutional dialogue.
Thirdly, the council affirmed that it fully assumes its responsibilities and has taken immediate measures to protect human lives, notably through collective decision No. 38/2025, which prohibits access to several at-risk homes as a precautionary and legal measure to safeguard residents.
Fourthly, due to the severity of the situation and the absence of a clear rehousing plan within the commune’s territory, the council urgently calls on the central authorities—specifically the Ministries of Interior, Housing, and Urban Planning—to intervene promptly. It also urges the opening of an institutional and participatory dialogue that respects the dignity and rights of the affected families. The council warns that delays in finding fair solutions may lead to humanitarian disasters for which all parties will bear responsibility according to their roles.
The statement also clarifies that the report issued by the LPEE laboratory is a technical advisory document, not an executive decision. The 2017 report by the former president of the Moulay Yacoub commune merely assessed risk levels, dividing areas into red zones (imminent danger requiring precautionary evacuation) and orange or yellow zones (which can be reinforced, restored, or monitored) in accordance with Law No. 92.14 related to unsafe buildings and urban renewal.
Moreover, the executive decision to evacuate can only be issued by a mixed provincial committee comprising local authorities, the urban agency, the commune, and civil protection. Residents cannot be forced to leave their homes unless provided with suitable alternatives or fair compensation, as stipulated in Article 31 of the Moroccan Constitution and applicable laws.
Finally, the council reiterates its support for the rehousing of affected residents but firmly rejects any forced or top-down relocations without guarantees for residents’ rights and consideration of their social and economic conditions.
This statement was issued in Moulay Yacoub on June 10, 2025, and signed by Youssef Baba, First Deputy of the Municipal Council of Moulay Yacoub Urban Commune.
