The Minister of the Interior, Abdelouafi Laftitrevealed the findings of investigations into cases ofscam affecting the victims of Al Haouz earthquake. These investigations highlighted the involvement of a local boss and a authority agent in facilitating these abuses. A series of disciplinary and legal measures have been announced to punish those responsible and prevent new offenses.
According to the minister, an entrepreneur based in Douar Bouzouq (commune of Aït Mellou) defrauded 14 beneficiaries Douar Taghzout and 4 others to Douar Tinmel by not respecting the contracts signed with them. The promised work was not finalized and technical standards were ignored.
A second entrepreneur, residing in Douar Tassa Ouirkan (commune of Ouirgane), is also accused of having failed to fulfill its commitments with the inhabitants of Douar Al Arab (commune of Asni). The latter is currently the subject of a wanted notice.
Finally, a third entrepreneur, originally from Béni Mellaldid not honor its contracts with 9 beneficiaries from the Tinzart, Mrigha Aloulia and Laâzib douars (commune of Ouirgane). Despite attempts by local authorities to contact him, he did not rectify the situation. Victims were invited to file complaints with the public prosecutor’s office.
In response to allegations concerning the “recommendation” of the first entrepreneur by a boss and agents of authority, the minister clarified that the boss concerned was not mentioned in the complaints filed. However, two authority officials were interviewed officially and claimed that their role was limited to providing information to contractors to speed up the reconstruction work.
-Another case of abuse was revealed concerning a moqaddem from Douar Mrigha, accused of having demanded sums of money from citizens in exchange for promises of intervention to guarantee their access to aid. The latter was dismissed from his position on December 2, 2024.
Firm measures to protect citizens
The Minister of the Interior assured that strict sanctions will be applied against any agent or entrepreneur involved in fraud or extortion practices. Local authorities are monitoring this matter closely to preserve citizens’ rights, avoid delays in reconstruction and guarantee the transparency of operations.
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