The investigation revealed several cases of fraud. An entrepreneur based in Douar Bouzouq (commune of Aït Mellou) was identified for having defrauded 14 beneficiaries from douar Tighzout (commune of Imgdal) and 4 others from douar Tinmel (commune of Talat N’Yaakoub). According to Abdelouafi Laftit, the contracts signed with these beneficiaries were not respected: the promised work was not completed and technical standards were ignored. Alerted, the local authorities ordered the contractor to complete the work in accordance with standards or reimburse the amounts collected. Arrested in Aït Melloul by the Royal Gendarmerie, he faces legal proceedings.
Other cases have been recorded. An entrepreneur residing in Douar Tassa Ouirkan (commune of Ouirgane) is wanted for not having honored his commitments to the inhabitants of Douar Al Arab (commune of Asni). A third entrepreneur, originally from Béni Mellal, also failed in his obligations towards 9 beneficiaries from the Tinzart, Mrigha Aloulia and Laâzib douars. Victims were encouraged to file individual complaints for breach of trust and substandard work.
The role of authority agents called into question
The question of the involvement of agents of authority, in particular a boss, was raised. If no direct mention of the boss was made in the complaints concerning the first contractor, two auxiliaries of authority were heard and denied having recommended this contractor. They would have simply provided information and followed the progress of the work as part of the acceleration of the reconstruction process. In another case, a moqaddem from Douar Mrigha is accused of having extorted sums of money from citizens in exchange of promises of intervention to facilitate access to aid. He was relieved of his duties on December 2, 2024.
Abdelouafi Laftit assured that strict disciplinary measures will be taken against any agent or entrepreneur involved in fraudulent practices. “Local authorities are closely monitoring this matter to preserve citizens’ rights, avoid delays in reconstruction and guarantee transparency,” he said in his response to parliamentarians.
