This article was automatically translated from HIBAPRESS, the Arabic version:
Heba Press – Abdel Latif Baraka
Yesterday Sunday, the Ain Sebaa area in Casablanca witnessed a terrible accident which caused the suffocation of around 11 people following a fire which broke out in a residential building.
The fire, caused by a counterfeit charger, is another reminder of the dangers of these deadly devices, which have caused numerous similar accidents across the Kingdom.
A number of neighborhood residents, along with civil prevention efforts, managed to evacuate citizens and control the fire. Demands are increasing regarding the need to take strict measures to protect Moroccans from the danger of “deadly trucks” which threaten lives and property. .
Counterfeit chargers: a threat to the lives of Moroccans
Reports indicate that counterfeit chargers have become one of the main causes of domestic accidents in Morocco, causing the death of a number of citizens and causing serious damage to a number of homes.
In the context of the recent Ain Sebaa accident, the most important question remains: how can a Moroccan citizen distinguish an original charger from a counterfeit charger? How can the authorities concerned limit the spread of these deadly devices?
In this context, the activist of the association Abdel Ali Al-Rami, who leads the campaign “All against the sale of counterfeit chargers and charging batteries”, affirms that the campaign mainly aims to raise awareness among citizens about the danger of counterfeit chargers that many low-income people buy because they are a cheap option but they can be fatal.
Rami emphasizes that the competent authorities, in particular customs, must play a more important role in the fight against the entry of these shippers into the Moroccan market.
Procedures required by competent authorities
Faced with this growing threat, the government and regulatory authorities must take decisive action to stop the entry of counterfeit chargers into Morocco and ensure the safety of citizens. Here are some suggested actions:
Strengthening controls at borders and ports: Customs services should intensify their surveillance at ports and airports and prevent the entry of chargers and batteries that do not comply with approved specifications.
Under the mandate of former minister Moulay Hafid Elalamy, concrete measures were taken in this direction, since thousands of counterfeit chargers were seized at the port of Casablanca. But there is still a lot of work to be done.
Increase awareness campaigns: Although awareness campaigns have started, there is a need to intensify them throughout the Kingdom. Citizens should learn to distinguish between original and counterfeit chargers through awareness programs conducted in the media and in shopping malls.
Media expert Moncef Hegaz points out that the average citizen can distinguish the original charger from the counterfeit by monitoring the temperature during charging. If the user feels that the charger is very hot, this indicates that it may be a fake charger.
Impose dissuasive sanctions on violators: sanctions must be more severe against people or companies that sell counterfeit chargers. Relevant authorities must impose severe fines and sanctions on those who promote electrical equipment that does not meet specifications, to ensure that the lives of citizens are not put at risk.
Encourage original chargers at affordable prices: It is necessary to find solutions to ensure the provision of original chargers at affordable prices to citizens with limited income. Support can be provided to certain well-known brands to reduce prices or offer incentives that encourage citizens to purchase original devices that guarantee safety.
Cooperation with telecommunications companies: Telecommunications companies play an important role in educating their customers about the risks associated with counterfeit chargers. These companies can run awareness campaigns, or even offer affordable original chargers to their phone users.
The continuing danger and the challenges ahead
Despite the efforts made by associations and citizen activists to fight against the sale of counterfeit chargers, the challenges remain significant.
Counterfeit chargers are still sold illegally in many popular marketplaces and online stores, requiring rapid action by authorities to better regulate the market and monitor it periodically.
It remains necessary for all parties concerned, whether government, associations or private companies, to cooperate to face this danger.
The authorities must fulfill their responsibility to protect the lives of citizens, while the citizen himself must be more aware of the dangers of counterfeit chargers and always choose safe solutions to protect his life and that of his family.
