فاس نيوز ميديا جريدة الكترونية جهوية تعنى بشؤون و أخبار جهة فاس مكناس – متجددة على مدار الساعة
El Hajeb – November 24, 2025
The El Hajeb Local Affairs Observatory issued a strongly-worded statement denouncing the “fragile balance” governing the public property occupation file in the city, warning of the transformation of sidewalks into “private property” for the benefit of some cafés and restaurants, in a flagrant violation of the law and endangering the lives of passersby – especially students – on a daily basis.
The observatory described the situation as “a scene that disfigures the city’s image,” where cafés and restaurants exceed their legal boundaries to completely occupy sidewalks, forcing citizens and students to walk in the road amid cars and motorcycles. The statement pointed to serious cases including:
- Closing the road access to the second section of Ain Dhiba with an iron fence in front of the authorities’ eyes,
- Some shop owners immediately returning to occupy the sidewalk after clearance campaigns, without any deterrence,
- Clear discriminatory treatment: some are allowed to reinstall “protective barriers” (awnings) while others are prevented, despite some never having removed them in the first place,
- Fencing of residential alleys by homeowners, including public officials who know the law well.
The observatory confirmed it is “not against legitimate investment that creates jobs and added value,” but rejects “destructive greed” that confiscates citizens’ right to a safe and dignified public space. It also strongly criticized the “selective restriction” on some establishments while overlooking other violations, generating a deep sense of distrust in institutions and planting frustration among citizens.
The observatory considered the silence of authorities responsible for protecting public property “raises serious questions about the principle of equality before the law,” warning that this leniency plunges the city into urban chaos while other Moroccan cities succeed in organizing their territorial space through strict law enforcement.
The observatory called on local authorities to:
- Immediately and firmly intervene to completely and permanently liberate public property,
- Apply the law to everyone without exception or favoritism,
- Protect the safety of students and passersby,
- Stop all forms of encroachment on public space before the city turns into “a jungle of chaos.”
The statement concluded by saying: “Tolerance of these practices not only harms the city’s aesthetics, but weakens the state’s authority and encourages more laxity, which is unworthy of a state of rights and law.”
