فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
Meknes – Follow-up
The phenomenon of encroachment and illegal occupation of public property is worsening day by day in the Ismaili capital, Meknes. Sidewalks and main streets in the city have been transformed into extensions of shops and cafes, and sometimes into informal markets, creating a chaotic scene that provokes widespread anger and dissatisfaction among residents.
A simple walk through busy streets such as Mohammed V Street in the Hamria district, the alleys of the old city, or even in the new neighborhoods reveals a bitter reality: sidewalks are completely occupied with chairs, tables, and displayed goods, forcing pedestrians—including children, the elderly, and people with disabilities—to step onto the road and walk among cars, exposing themselves to real danger.
Many citizens express their frustration with this situation. One resident stated, “There is no longer any respect for pedestrians; the sidewalk has become the property of the café or shop owner, and we are forced to walk in the street. It’s utter chaos.”
This escalating problem raises serious questions about the role of local authorities and the municipal council in enforcing the law and penalizing violators. Although authorities occasionally organize seasonal campaigns to clear public property, these efforts quickly cease, and the situation reverts to its previous state, sometimes even worsening, giving the impression of a lack of genuine will to impose sustainable order.
Today, the people of Meknes demand firm intervention and radical solutions that go beyond temporary campaigns, relying instead on continuous monitoring and strict enforcement of the law for all, to protect pedestrians’ rights and preserve the beauty of their city, whose image is eroding day by day due to this phenomenon.
